Thanks to a Times/Currents reader (who wishes to remain anonymous) for submitting for consideration our December Currents cover. The reader says he has purchased boxes of Christmas ornaments through the years from Chagrin Hardware, on Main St. in Chagrin Falls. He decided to finally pull all of them together for use in the stunning seasonal decoration of this lovely South Russell home. That’s Dixie on the front porch! From our E. Washington St. offices to your homes, we wish you a happy, healthy and memorable holiday season this year, and cheers to 2026!
INSIDE
A 10 GAME NIGHT
Gather (or gift) for game night this season
By Cynthia Schuster Eakin
B 1
HOME
The Art of the Winter Table this season
By Beth Schreibman Gehring
B 8 FOOD
Currents reporters share sweet treat recipes
Submitted by Currents reporters
C 1
DEAR SANTA
Area nonprofits share wish lists By Rita Kueber
D 4
AGING WELL
Ratner, Roizen and Tucker share advice about living, aging well
By Cynthia Schuster Eakin
Enjoy Deck the Hall at Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens
Celebrate the holiday season at Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens’ Deck the Hall, a festive tradition for family and friends running through December 30. This magical event turns the estate that was once home to Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company co-founder F.A. Seiberling and his family, into a holiday destination, featuring seasonal décor throughout the Manor House, outdoor light displays and walking paths, and the Dazzle light show. Guests can also visit with Santa in the Carriage House Courtyard from 4 to 8 p.m. daily through December 23. Afterward, warm up with hot cocoa and gingerbread cookies from Molly’s Courtyard Café, shop for gifts and décor at Molly’s Shop, or pick out a Poinsettia in the Corbin Conservatory.
Deck the Hall operates daily from 3 to 9 p.m. — last admission is at 8 p.m. Parking for the event is free in the Main Lot and auxiliary lots, with complimentary shuttle service available.
Tickets to Deck the Hall include a selfguided tour through the decorated Manor House and access to the grounds to see the outdoor lights. Manor House tours are not timed — tour anytime 3 to 8 p.m. Deck the Hall will be held through December 30: Dec. 4 – 7, 11 – 14, 18 – 23, 26 – 30.
Standard admission prices are $28 for adults and $15 for youth (ages 3 to 17 years). Members of Stan Hywet receive a discount, with adult tickets priced at $22 and youth tickets at $12. Children 2 and under are admitted for free. Deck the Hall Value Nights are offered on December 8–10 and December 15–17. The reduced prices are $24 for adults and $13 for youth (ages 3 to 17 years). Stan Hywet members also receive a discount on these nights, with adult tickets costing $19 and youth tickets $10. Children 2 and under are admitted for free.
Stan Hywet is CLOSED on December 24 and 25.
Tickets for Deck the Hall are on sale now. For tickets, or to make reservations, visit stanhywet.org or call 330.836.5533.
About Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens is the former residence of Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company co-founder F.A. Seiberling and his family.
In 1957, Stan Hywet became a non-profit historic estate museum so that the public could benefit from the cultural, educational, and inspirational riches of one of the most significant achievements in architecture and horticulture to come out of America’s Industrial Age. Open for tours April through December, Stan Hywet is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums and is Akron, Ohio’s oldest National Historic Landmark.
Northeast Ohio’s First Social Network
The primary mission of Currents is to feature and spotlight the nonprofit, arts, educational and cultural organizations so vital to Northeast Ohio, as well as the volunteers and philanthropists who guide, support and sustain them.
P.O. Box 150 • Chagrin Falls, Ohio 44022 • 525 E. Washington Street • 440-247-5335 / Fax: 440-247-1606
www.currentsneo.com
Published monthly by the Chagrin Valley Publishing Company
H. KENNETH DOUTHIT III
Publisher
KELLI COTESWORTH MCLELLAN
Editor
DECEMBER EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS: Margaret Cibik, Michele Collins, Cynthia Schuster Eakin, Rita Kueber, Anastasia Nicholas, Andrea C. Turner, Jeannie Emser Schultz, Beth Schreibman Gehring LAYOUT: Christine Hahn
ADVERTISING ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE S: Shari Silk
AD DESIGNERS: Connie Gabor, Ashley Gier
Please call 440.247.5335 for editorial, advertising and deadline information. Currents is distributed in: Auburn, Avon Lake, Bainbridge, Bath, Bay Village, Beachwood, Bentleyville, Bratenahl, Brecksville, Chagrin Falls, Chesterland, Cleveland Heights, Fairview Park, Gates Mills, Hudson, Hunting Valley, Kirtland Hills, Lakewood, Lyndhurst, Moreland Hills, North Royalton, Orange Village, Pepper Pike, Rocky River, Russell, Shaker Heights, Solon, South Russell, Strongsville, University Heights, Waite Hill, Westlake, Akron, Copley, Cuyahoga Falls, Fairlawn, Hinckley, Montrose, Peninsula, Richfield and Silver Lake.
Morgan Conservatory “Dress to IMPRESS”
“Dress to IMPRESS” at the Morgan Conservatory was a night of exotic and wild paper fashions and wearable art, celebrating paper and print as fashion.
This year’s artists and designers addressed the theme, “Reduce, Redact, Reuse and Recycle.” The 275 guests enjoyed a stellar fashion show, auction, raffle, drinks, hors
d’oeuvres and an after party. The event raised $30,000 to support Morgan Conservatory.
Participating artists included: Debbie Apple Presser, Krista Budd, Paula Damm, Jeanette Ho, Monie Lewis, Barb Morejon, Sylvia Munodawafa, Celia Ohnmeis, Maria Pelissier, Denyce Renee, Chrystal Robinson, Megan Romanchuk, Darl Schaaf, Lindsay Stefans, TJ
Sikora, Tony Williams and Hedwiga Wood. The Morgan Conservatory is the largest arts center in the United States dedicated to every facet of papermaking, book arts and letterpress printing. In addition to hosting studio space and artist residency programs for professional artists, the Morgan provides classes in papermaking and letterpress. Artists
from the Morgan visit area schools to teach students the art of letterpress, paper making and book binding. The 15,000-square-foot art studio hosts art exhibitions, sells fine handmade paper and has a garden dedicated to growing plants used in papermaking.
STORY BY CYNTHIA SCHUSTER EAKIN/ PHOTOGRAPHS BY ERIC EAKIN
Tom Balbo, Paula Damm, Barbara Nell Morejon and Frank Hickman
Jo Cowan, Darl Schaaf, Meri Stillman and Cindy Demsey
Victoria Pickett, Nancy Ogle, Chris Huckins and Eileen Coin
Barney Rubble, Claudio Orso and Betty Rubble
TJ Sikora, Olivia DePiloe and Chrystal Robinson
Diana Zubal and Nicole Donnelly
From
classic and couture to bold and bright, dress to impress
By MARGARET CIBIK
The holidays always come with season’s greetings, yuletide carols, checking lists twice and lots of parties. Which means it’s time to think about your holiday wardrobe and what you will wear! Maybe you’re planning on looking fabulous for an upcoming family gathering, attending a work function, a fancy gala or hosting a soirée of your very own. With so many opportunities to dress to impress it’s hard to know where to start. Thankfully, three area boutiques are spilling the hot chocolate on how to put together the perfect ensemble that will make you feel merry and bright this season.
The good news is, when it comes to this season’s trends, sticking to classic holiday colors like reds, greens and winter whites will always be in style and a great place to start building your holiday wardrobe. The rest is really all about your tastes and what makes you feel good.
Allisa Romanini, shop owner of Base Boutique in Chagrin Falls says, “You see a lot more velvet and satin, especially for more formal functions, and embellishments like pearls, rhinestones and glitter.”
Lisa Moran of Lisa Moran Ltd. in Eton Chagrin Boulevard enjoys seeing people have a lot more fun with their clothes this time of year. “We’re seeing a lot of furs and feathers.” Moran explains. “Like faux fur jackets or vests.”
For a dressier look, Moran suggests velvety pants with stones incorporated into the texture matched with a chic blouse.
Cindy Halle! notes the popularity of studded necklines and pompom sleeves. And if you are going for a cocktail or formal look, this Gates Mills boutique offers a sophisticated little black dress that gives that classic Audrey Hepburn look as well as
stunning floor-length gowns for galas and charitable causes.
For a more low key gathering, Romanini says that simplicity is always best, with something subtle like dress pants or a pleated skirt paired with a classy cashmere sweater or dressy turtleneck.
And to elevate any look, simple or formal, Cindy Halle! suggests adding a pop of jewelry to the ensemble with a stunning Lisa Taylor pearl necklace charmed with an antique locket or a versatile piece from the widely popular Clara Williams collection.
And while Christmas time tends to air on the traditional side, Lisa Moran thinks New Year’s Eve is a time to air on a bolder side. “I think you can be a little sexier.” says Moran. “With a little slip dress or a great sequin skirt and a sweater, I think it is such a cool look.”
Cindy Halle! also suggested something like a sparkling sweater paired with metallic pants in classic New Year’s colors,
this season!
silver, gold and blue. And Romanini’s hack for still looking like fire even when it’s below 30 and freezing is by adding a leather glove or faux fur wrap that keeps you warm while also accentuating the look.
Whatever you have going on this season, always remember that it isn’t about how an ensemble or garment makes you look, it’s about how it makes you feel. From understated elegance to jaw dropping couture, Base Boutique, Lisa Moran Ltd. and Cindy Halle! have you covered with tips and trends to keep your holiday closet fit for this season, and many more to come.
Base Boutique is located at 100 N Main St #220, Chagrin Falls, OH 44022, Lisa Moran Ltd. is in Eton Chagrin Blvd. at 28601 Chagrin Blvd. Woodmere, OH 44122 and Cindy Halle! can be found at 1501 Chagrin River Rd, Gates Mills, OH 44040. For more information, please check out their websites at shopbaseboutique.com, lisamoranltd.com, and cindyhalle.com
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Rocky River Historical Society “Fall Dinner”
More than 70 guests enjoyed the Rocky River Historical Society’s fall dinner in the Scenic Room of the Emerald Necklace Marina.
The group welcomed Lieutenant Commander Matthew J. Previts, who spoke about the new USS Cleveland that is being commissioned this fall. It will be the fourth ship named for the city and the first time in the history of the nation, the Navy or the state of Ohio that a ship named after Cleveland came to its shores.
“Many cities and states that have ships
named for them throw a nice ceremony, and then they forget about the ship,” Lieutenant Commander Previts said. Clevelanders will do it differently, he said. “We’re going to have a bond with that ship and that crew so that every sailor on that ship knows there’s a city behind them, because they’re going to travel all over the world with Cleveland on it.”
About 90 sailors have been assigned to the crew. The intent is for adopted families back in Cleveland to support them while they are
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in active service for 20 years. When the Navy is done with the ship, it has the option to sell it for $1 to an organization that will repurpose it as a museum memorial. The science center already has a spot for it, Lieutenant Commander Previts said.
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“From a historical perspective, this’ll be a pretty amazing thing, and the only way to get ahead of it is by thinking about that now, so that in 15 or 20 years we’re well-positioned for it,” he said. “That’s what we’re up to.”
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The evening included a special announcement. The Rocky River Historical Society gives a scholarship each year through the Rocky River Education Foundation. From next year on, the scholarship will be named the Rocky River Historical Society Erml Award in honor of longtime benefactor Vic Erml and his wife, Jan. Guests enjoyed a buffet dinner and cakes made by the Lutheran West Catering Club for dessert. STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHS BY
ANASTASIA NICHOLAS
Lieutenant Commander Matthew J. Previts and Lisa Previts
Vic and Jan Erml
Rocky River Mayor Pam Bobst with Dr. Kul Bhasin
Sylvia Hauck, Kathryn Cogan, and Karen Shaffer
Ginni Going, Jeannette Lewis, and Susan Crane
Sunny and Gay Christensen-Dean (right) with Zak and Jenny Dieringer (center)
Up your board game play this holiday season
By CYNTHIA SCHUSTER EAKIN
Monopoly? That’s a game for grandparents. Checkers? Please. Uno? So 10 years ago.
You want to up your game game? Then get to Recess Games in North Olmsted or Tabletop Board Game Café in Ohio City. Here’s why.
Jim and Susan Grasso opened Recess Games in 1992. “We’ve been here for 34 years,” Jim Grasso noted. “At first, we were located in malls, but decided that this location was better for us.” The current free-standing location at 26636 Brookpark Rd. Ext. in North Olmsted is 10,000 square feet of space offering 20,000 items of inventory, including 6,000 to 8,000 board games.
Both Jim and Susan are avid board game players and are more than happy to help customers select a game that is right for them. “The audience we cater to is largely adults, but we have games for children as young as 18 months,” Jim Grasso said. “Business is pretty steady all year long, but even busier during the holiday season.”
Grasso said that CAT games for children are very popular now. “We have a whole cabinet
full of them,” he added. Role playing games like the Blood and Plunder pirate game are also a big seller. Game players can paint and assemble game pieces. Recess even sells the paint and glue.
A separate gaming area is 24-hour accessible. You can rent games from Recess Games’ extensive library, or you can bring your own.
A number of adult players reserve tables in the gaming area to compete over a game called, “Warhammer 40,000.” Studio space can be reserved online. There is also a monthly events calendar.
“We have a free loyalty rewards program where our customers can build up points,” Grasso explained. “We also have a spirit week, when you can get extra points by wearing Recess apparel. We hold a bazaar twice a year where you bring in your old games to sell, or purchase games from others.”
In addition to board games, Recess also has a large selection of jigsaw puzzles. Grasso said that the largest puzzle they have sold to date was 30,000 pieces.
Recess Games is open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Friday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Turn to Games on Page 11
Radio on the Lake Theatre to present Audio Gallery Series
Radio on the Lake Theatre, Northeast Ohio’s only professional theater company exclusively dedicated to the audio arts, is excited to announce the first plays to be presented in 2026 as part of the Audio Gallery Series. The plays will be performed at the Negative Space Art Gallery, located at 1541 East 38th Street #2nd floor Cleveland, OH 44114 in Cleveland’s Asia Town district: January 26 - “1984”
Since George Orwell published his landmark political fable 1984, each generation has found ample reason to make reference to the grim near-future envisioned by the novel. His book set the tone for the next 70plus years of dystopian fiction and film. The story follows Winston Smith, who works for the Ministry of Truth, altering historical records. Discontent with the regime, Winston begins a forbidden relationship with Julia –with terrifying consequences.
March 22 - “Casablanca”
Adapted from one of the most beloved films of all time. The world is at war, but a self-made man shields himself and others from its ravages in a bar in Morocco where the Vichy French government holds sway. Refugees from all over Europe come to Africa for passage and salvation. When one of them walks into his bar, his whole world is turned upside down. For what (or whom) would you sacrifice everything?
Each performance starts at 7:30 pm, and will be followed by a discussion with the cast and crew. The shows will also be recorded for broadcast on WBWC 88.3 The Sting at a later date as part of ROTLT’s ongoing series Radio on the Lake Theatre Presents... Sunday evenings at 5.
Tickets for the Audio Gallery Series at Negative Space are $15, and are on sale now at eventbrite.com/cc/audio-gallery-radio-playseries-at-negative-space-4480463. Or find more information at radioonthelaketheatre. org. Members of Radio on the Lake Theatre’s Stakeholders Club receive a $5 discount on each ticket purchase, as well as other benefits. For more information about The Audio Gallery Series, The Stakeholders Club or any other Radio on the Lake Theatre programs, please send an email to info@radioonthelake theatre.org.
On Fridays and Saturdays, Tabletop Café staff members offer game recommendations and teach the new games.
Photographs by Eric Eakin
Games continued from Page 10
Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday. Phone 440-779-7008 or visit www.recess.net
Tabletop Board Game Café, 1810 W. 25th St. in Cleveland, can take care of your food and drink needs as well as helping you find a game to play. A $5 all-day pass gives you unlimited access to a library of about a thousand games. The inventory changes each month.
Check out the Staff Pick Shelves near the entrance to the café for some quick recommendations. On Fridays and Saturdays, staff members walk around the café offering game recommendations and teaching the games. Customers can play a game as long as they like, put it back on the shelf and grab a new game. According to staff members, one of the most popular games right now is Diatoms. Reservations can be made online, although they are a little tricky at a board game café due to scheduling. There is a monthly events calendar. Families are welcome.
The café menu offers flatbreads, panini sandwiches, rice bowls, appetizers and desserts. Beverage offerings range from smoothies and
Cleveland Ballet’s ‘The Nutcracker’ at Playhouse Square through Dec. 21
Over 120 dancers will take the stage to present Cleveland Ballet’s beloved holiday tradition, “The Nutcracker,” December 12 through 21, for 11 performances spanning two weekends at Playhouse Square’s Connor Palace. Following the traditional storyline of Clara, her Nutcracker Prince, and their magical journey through the Land of the Sweets, the production continues to be enhanced year after year with newly choreographed scenes, costumes, and sets for a lavish holiday experience.
Artistic Director Timour Bourtasenkov’s international experience has elevated Cleveland Ballet with world-class performances that audiences have come to expect and appreciate. His choreography for “The Nutcracker” this year features a greatly expanded fight scene between the title character and the Mouse King as well as more awe-inspiring dances featuring the largest cast to perform with Cleveland Ballet.
The holiday experience continues with a variety of special events during the performances of “The Nutcracker,” including a return of the Cleveland Grays for all 11 performances and opportunities to tour the Grays Armory. There will also be photo opportunities to meet and greet select cast members following the Saturday and Sunday matinee performances, as well as Dew Drop jewels for young patrons during the weekend evening performances. Before each evening performance, ticket holders can attend a Behind the Curtain talk featuring discussions about the intricacies of the costumes and sets.
To purchase tickets and see a listing of the cast and special events taking place at select performances, visit cleveballet.org/thenutcracker. Ticket prices reflect all handling fees and begin at $36.
milkshakes to seasonal cocktails, mocktails, beer, wine and even mead.
The 100-seat Tabletop Board Game Café recently marked its 10-year anniversary. Hours are 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Tuesday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to midnight on Friday and Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Sunday. Digital gift cards are available. Call 216-5123053 or go to www.tabletopcleve.com
The 100-seat Tabletop Board Game Café recently marked its ten-year anniversary.
Jim Grasso of Recess Games is an avid board game player and is happy to help customers select a game that is right for them.
First Tee of Greater Cleveland “Grit, Gratitude & You”
First Tee - Cleveland’s 14th annual Grit, Gratitude & You, presented by Bill Conway at Windows on the River was a celebration of First Tee’s positive impact on local youth. The 300 guests were greeted with a handshake and smile from First Tee participants. With a theme of “One for Many,” the breakfast fundraiser featured: guest speaker Ryan Virtue of Positive Coaching Alliance; touching “Dear Coach” messages read by three participants and one First Tee alumnus; and, the presentation of the 2025 Del de Windt Leadership Award for Civic Engagement to The Deckard Family -- Daryl and Jenniffer Deckard, Abbey and Brandon Patton, and Connor and Caitlyn Deckard. In addition to their stellar support of First Tee - Cleveland, the Deckard family supports worthy nonprofits, including Julie Billiart Schools, EDWINS Leadership & Restaurant Institute, The Music Settlement, University Hospitals and The Sisters of Notre Dame of the United States, to name a few. In 2014, the Deckard family joined forces with Frank and Barbara Sullivan to establish the Sullivan-Deckard Opportunity Scholars Program. This groundbreaking program provides high school seniors aging out of foster care with full scholarships, and with year-round housing and support, providing the opportunity for them to attend Cleveland State University.
Chaired by board members Linda Sherman and Ryan Puente, the benefit raised more than $75,000 to support the youth development organization’s mission to enable kids and teens to build the strength of character that empowers them throughout their lives. By seamlessly integrating the game of golf with a life skills curriculum, First Tee creates active learning experiences that build inner strength, self-confidence and resilience that kids can carry to everything they do.
Each year, thousands of young people in Northeast Ohio have a First Tee experience through programs at six local golf courses, PE classes at elementary schools and programming with community partners. STORY SUBMITTED BY MARY PATTON AND PHOTOGRAPHS BY BRIGID GALLAGHER
TOP FAMILY LAW FIRM IN OHIO
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No Substitute for Practical Experience in Expert Witnesses and Reports
BY ANDREW ZASHIN
Expert witnesses and reports – these are often a thorn in the side for many lawyers because of the difficult questions they bring up for those who need them. How much will they cost? Is it worth the time and money to have one done? Whom should I hire, or even where do I start? Irrespective of the kind of expert at issue, financial, medical, engineering, psychological, legal, or otherwise, key considerations should include the relative amount of practical experience the so-called expert has.
I was recently hired as an expert witness in an international custody case in Florida. The court qualified me as an expert for the mother due to my years of experience dealing with custody cases generally and international custody disputes specifically as well as for my teaching and writings. I also happen to be licensed in Florida and have unique experience dealing with the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction, a multinational treaty that governs the return of children wrongfully removed or retained across international borders.
Father’s expert, on the other hand, may be best described as a “professional expert” because his CV is almost exclusively filled with cases where he is retained as an expert. He has written considerably and has lectured on related topics, but he lacked practical experience.
There are many “Professional Experts.” Too often, these experts default to useful patterns when they present their opinions to courts. Sometimes this results in such experts recommending virtually the same outcome in repeatedly. Sometimes, these opinions make little practical sense. In this case, the father’s expert’s lack of practical experience showed itself in his report and testimony to the court. He recommended that the mother not be allowed any international travel due to the risk that she may flee to Russia, a country which is not a member to the Hague Convention. Further, as an added precaution, he suggested that her visitation be supervised to prevent even the risk of abduction.
In the case I describe above, when I testified, I was able to explain why restricting mother’s ability to travel was both unfair and made no sense practically or legally. The other side put a lot of stock in a text that the mother sent to the father that said “I might as well go back to Russia” and claimed that it showed a major risk that the mother would take the parties’ son with her to Russia and the son would not be able to be returned to the United States. I pointed out that the mother had sent this text eight years ago and that these types of texts are common in the context of a contentious divorce case.
Moreover, without other evidence during the interceding eight years, such as the selling of property or liquidating of assets indicating the mother is planning on leaving, it seems mother made an angry threat, and nothing more, a long time ago, as people do when they get divorced. Finally, mother had enjoyed for years since this text was made week on/week off visitation with the child and had never absconded with the child! I also stated that there is always a risk of travel, but that “a complete bar to international travel is absurd” and prevents the mother from taking completely normal and natural vacations with her son, such as a cruise. The court strongly agreed with me while disregarding the testimony of
the father’s expert. The court acknowledged that my practical experience and common sense as a family law attorney gave more weight to my testimony as an expert. Thus, in any legal matter, an expert who is worth their fee is one who is well rounded in their profession. It is vitally important for experts to not just write expert reports but to also have practical hands-on experience to back up their assertions. These experts are significantly more likely to create a new expert report for each case they are retained and are more in-the-know of recent developments in their fields. And, as we just saw in this Florida case, courts will often value these opinions more than those of professional experts.
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The “seniors” among us remember the days when department stores offered free gift wrap for purchases--or --even offered a gift wrap department. The latter was a favorite of my Mom who hated to wrap gifts, so when I was 11 (and loved making unusual ribbon bows) Mom put me in charge of holiday gift wrapping for our mountain of extended family presents.
In turn, I recruited free help via my brother whose only job (due to his age…he was just 5) was to hold his finger on a package when I tied bows and to peel off pieces of Scotch tape…his favorite task. (We’d always have the Johnny Mathis Christmas album playing in the background. As adults he told me he tried to recreate our gift wrapping-Mathis music tradition with his wife…but said it just wasn’t the same!).
But by the 1980s the rolls of wrapping paper and spools of ribbon began to be replaced by...tah-dah…the gift bag! Much heralded by anti-wrappers, gone was the need to tape neatly folded corners, Scotch tape or fancy ribbons in favor of just plopping the present in the bag with some tissue paper. Convenient, but maybe not as festive.
The evolution on how we present gifts enjoys a long history, with presents first wrapped in cloth or leather. When the Egyptians created the paper-like papyrus in 3000 B.C. it might have been a candidate as gift wrap, but papyrus was very expensive to purchase outside Egypt. (While parchment was invented in West Asia in 150 B.C, it was even more expensive than papyrus since it was made from animal skins.)
The first invention of what we would now call “paper” came in 100 B.C. China when a government official combined chopped up mulberry bark and hemp rags with water, mashing the mixture before pressing out excess water then drying it in the sun. The first documented use of paper as gift wrap followed when the Chinese government used paper to wrap monetary gifts (creating a sort of envelope) to distribute to government officials.
Fast forward to ancient Rome where plain cloth or woven baskets were still being used to wrap goodwill tokens Romans traded to celebrate the festival of Saturnalia. In the Middle Ages, Chinese paper still was not in use to wrap gifts in Western Europe. Instead, boxes that were beautifully ornamented (sometimes even gems) were used. By demonstrating their riches and charity of giving gifts, the elegant boxes highlighted the social rank of both giver and recipient.
Gift giving and wrapping wrapping during the Victorian era took on even more importance with the focus on attention to detail. Ornamental paper, lace and colorful ribbons were crucial to the presentation. (Ribbons, string or sealing wax held gifts together prior to the invention of tape.) While the
wealthy would use thick, decorative paper, the general population was relegated to plain white or brown paper. Colored tissue paper in red, green and white became popular as the century progressed, and the commercialization of Christmas in the late 19th and 20th centuries produced aesthetic holiday boxes and designer paper. Yet mass-produced gift wrap was yet to be realized.
Commercial “wrapping” paper as we know it today was a providential accident. In 1917 Kansas City, a stationery store run by brothers Rollie and J.C. Hall, ran out of tissue paper. Looking around they found some leftover “fancy French” decorated paper, usually meant for lining the inside of envelopes. Hoping their customers would accept the substitute, they put it out for 10 cents a sheet. It sold out in minutes!
The Hall brothers jumped on the opportunity and within two years began to feature more designs of the paper, introducing their first line of commercial wrapping paper, which transformed gift wrapping into a decorative art form. Their innovation made gift wrapping accessible, affordable and was widely
embraced. By the 1930s the Halls began adding ribbon to their packaging under the company’s new name—Hallmark!
Today’s annual sales of the wrapping paper industry are reported to be more than $9 billion dollars. But with the popularity and convenience of disposable wrapping paper, boxes and bags comes the problem of four million tons of the paper ending up in landfills during the U.S. holiday season alone. (In perspective, that’s the approximate weight of four Empire State buildings!)
Because most wrapping paper can’t be recycled, due to certain inks and incorporated foil designs, some companies are employing recycled materials to produce their products from the get-go. As sustainability awareness grows, some buyers advocate the return to reusable cloth wrapping or even newspaper. If you are a consumer looking for gift-wrapping solutions to align with your environmental concerns, look for those wrapping paper or bag choices made from recycled materials as well as ribbons that are biodegradable. Both will encourage sustainability and lessen waste for future happy holidays.
The Art of the Winter Table
By BETH SCREIBMAN GEHRING
Every December, as the days shorten and the air turns still, I find myself drawn back to the kitchen—the heart of winter, where light, scent, and memory gather long before the guests do. In the days that follow, the preparations for the holidays begin and I’m always filled with a childlike excitement. The box of Royal Riviera pears from Harry & David arrives, just as it did when my father was alive. He adored them, those green and gold treasures wrapped in sunlight. We eat them through the season with good cheeses, sliced into trifles, sugared and dropped into glasses of champagne where they gleam like the prettiest tree ornaments. I love to wrap them in gold paper to give away, one by one, small yet perfect gifts of sweetness and memory.
My kitchen in December is filled with the scent of butter and spice. Cinnamon–scented salt dough ornaments bake in the oven, gingerbread cools on the counter, and narcissus bulbs bloom on the windowsill, green against the gray days. I set aside the bayberry candles from Root Candles in Medina, deep green and resin scented, ready to gift and to light. It is an old tradition to burn a bayberry candle on Christmas Eve or New Year’s Eve, a ritual said to bring health, peace, and prosperity. I love carrying that small bit of faith in beeswax and candlelight and I keep it each year.
Winter begins for me with the Solstice, the longest night of the year when the world holds still and the light feels like something you must treasure. It is the moment the season gathers itself, when everything quiets just enough for meaning to rise. That evening, we gather at my sister’s home with family and a few close friends, to mark the turning of the earth back toward the sun.
In her kitchen stands a great old hearth, blackened by time and graceful in its age. It is there that we light the Solstice fire, the yule log, a small piece saved from the year before. Before it meets the flame, we pass it from hand to hand, each of us making a wish for the year to come, quiet hopes breathed into the wood, and then the log is laid on the hearth. The fire catches, the sparks rise, and light spills through the room, touching every face. The longest night begins to glow.
When my son and my nephew were young, we had another Solstice ritual, one I cannot wait to share this year with my grandson Wolfie, who is completely captivated by owls. We bundle up, grab flashlights, and walk into the deep woods behind us. The snow softens the sound of our steps, and the world grows silent except for the trees and our breath. We listen for owls, their low far calls, or the sudden whisper of wings gliding close through the dark. Sometimes we bring the suet and seed balls we have made earlier and tie them to branches, small offerings to the creatures who share the night. Once in a while, we catch sight of the owl itself, a pale shape moving silently through the trees, and it always feels like grace.
Back in my sister’s kitchen, the Solstice table glows in contrast to the darkness outside. It is a feast of warmth and color, earthenware plates, old mugs filled with warm drinks, and bowls of hearty food. The meal is simple but lovely: soup, shepherds pies, good bread and herb butter, roasted vegetables, salad and always something sweet to finish. It would not be Solstice without eggnog, and there is always bourbon milk punch for those who like their comfort with a little fire. It is the first night the Christmas tree glows in the corner, the first greenery drapes the mantle, the first sparkle of the season settles into the
house. The Solstice is a soft night, full of warmth, laughter, and the gentle magic of light returning.
Three days after the Solstice comes Christmas Eve, that quiet doorway between bustle and stillness. We love to gather down in the valley where a great bonfire is lit beside the river. The air smells of pine and wood smoke, and sometimes the faint citrus lift of crushed spruce needles underfoot.
Sparks rise into the sky, each one a fleeting star. There is cocoa for the children and a horse-drawn hay wagon jingling through the night. Wolfie rode three times last year, his face bright in the firelight. That night, the world feels perfectly balanced, flame and frost, laughter and silence.
When we come home, the warmth gathers quickly around us. It is just Jim, our children, and Wolfie. The table is set with my Christmas dishes, the Bing & Grøndahl and Royal Copenhagen plates I love to actually use. We have raclette for dinner, melted cheese, marinated steak and shrimp, bread, salad, and a dozen delicious little sauces. The little sauces are always bright with herbs — chives, tarragon, dill, the
small green sparks that brighten a winter table. The meal stretches into the night. We exchange a few gifts and let the bayberry candles burn low.
Christmas morning arrives quietly. More gifts, of course, but mostly gratitude. For Christmas, brunch has been the same for my entire life. In fact, it wouldn’t be Christmas without my parents’ Christmas brunch. Even though they’re no longer with us, we still make the same meal. We wouldn’t dream of doing otherwise. We have creamed chicken à la king, elegant and full of Madeira, absolutely delicious over buttered toast points. My mother made it every single year. Alongside it, there’s an egg, cheese, and bacon strata fragrant with sage and thyme, beautiful gooey cinnamon rolls, and a stewed fruit that I make every year. It’s full of dried fruit simmered in port, rich with spices like star anise, cinnamon, cloves, and allspice. The scent alone cloaks the house with warmth, and there’s champagne, of course, plenty of it. It just wouldn’t be Christmas without that meal. By evening, we’re full from days of celebration, so Christmas dinner is always wonderfully simple. We gather again at my sister’s home for grilled cheese sandwiches, salad, and split pea soup made from the Solstice ham bone. The soup simmers with bay, thyme, and sage, the same herbs
is cocoa for
we used just days earlier on the Solstice table, so even this humble meal carries a thread of green through the season. We raise a glass of Armagnac to toast the day. It was our parents’ anniversary, always on Christmas Day. They were married then because, as family legend goes, it was the easiest time to find a rabbi. So Christmas has always been doubly special for us, a day to celebrate them as we celebrate the season. The last toast, as always, is for our mom and dad, our way of keeping them close in the glow of the fire and the warmth of the day.
My own Christmas table has changed over the years. I once loved formality, the deep reds, the glitter, the symmetry and sometimes I still do. But these days I lean toward simplicity, the beauty of the natural and the imperfect. I love to bring the outdoors in. One of my favorite touches is to use my mother’s old saucer champagne glasses, all different shapes and sizes, as tiny centerpieces. Each holds a small arrangement, a sprig of holly, a piece of rosemary, a floating candle, maybe a few berries. Every guest has a bit of Christmas right in front of them, a private shimmer of light.
I never skimp on cloth napkins. My mother always used them, and I do too, for their beauty, their practicality, and their kindness to the world. Here is my little secret: when they come out of the dryer, I fold them immediately into neat squares, stack them, and place a brick vertically on top. By the time they cool, they are perfectly pressed and ready again, simple, small magic.
After Christmas, the days soften and slow. That is when I tend the table again, not for celebration now, but for the keeping of warmth. I lay holly and pine across a cloth the color of frost. Bayberry candles stand in the center, their flames steady and
Our dining room, dressed for the holidays.
There
the children and a horse-drawn hay wagon jingling through the night on Christmas Eve.
On Christmas Eve, we love to gather down in the valley where a great bonfire is lit beside the river.
My sister’s hearth and table.
golden. Around them, I weave the herbs of Christmas: sage for calm, rosemary for memory, thyme for courage, bay for peace. Holly, cinnamon sticks, vanilla beans and mistletoe are tucked between, the air alive with their scent. The dishes are Finnish and glazed a soft cobalt blue. The silver is simple and hand hammered, and the glassware is simple and hand blown. The whole effect is quiet and lovely, the whole table smells like the winter woods brought inside.
Around the twelfth day of Christmas, I often make a custardy trifle topped with the last of the pears and a crown of sugared rosemary or a crackly pavlova topped with fresh raspberries and pistachios. There is always mulled cider simmering, filled with cloves, cinnamon sticks, star anise, rosemary, bay, sage, and orange peel. I make cider from our own apples and pears every autumn, and freeze enough to last us through winter. The herbs add their own quiet blessings to the pot: rosemary for remembrance, bay for protection and good fortune, sage for wisdom and the clearing away of what no longer serves. On Twelfth Night, we carry our mugs outside and wassail our little orchard. We sing to the apple trees and the pear trees alike, thanking them for the harvest past and blessing them for the one to come. Every year, we seem to be rewarded with an abundance of fruit.
Perhaps it’s the cider. Perhaps it’s the herbs. Or perhaps it’s the simple magic of gratitude whispered into winter air. Through it all, I make my winter playlists— Solstice, Christmas, midwinter—because music, like herbs, shapes a room. When the music is right, the herbs are glowing, and something good is on the stove, the whole home exhales. Everyone who enters feels held by the warmth. If you ever want the music that fills my house this time of year, I always post my playlists on my Substack at www.bethschreibmangehring.com. You’re welcome to come gather them and call them your own.
That, to me, is the art of the winter table: to carry warmth from the Solstice hearth to the Christmas candles and beyond, from the bonfire in the valley to the quiet glow of home. To balance celebration and stillness, abundance and grace. To fill the dark with beauty made by hand and heart until the light fully returns.
Each December, when I light the bayberry tapers, I whisper the same wish: May the lights burn clear and bright, may peace and plenty bless this home, and may the sweetness endure as long as we do.
From my hearth to yours, may your winter be gentle, your table bright, and your home filled with the kind of light that lingers long after the candles have burned low. Wishing all of you the truly happiest of holidays. ~ Beth
Barbara’s Chicken à la King
This is the way my mom made it every year, a dish so comforting and velvety it became the anchor of Christmas morning in our family. It is unapologetically rich, deeply aromatic, and beautifully old-fashioned — the kind of recipe that reminds you why some traditions are kept exactly as they are. The buttery vegetables, tender chicken, mushrooms, pimentos, and peas all settle into a luxurious cream sauce brightened with sherry or Madeira. Served over toast points, it’s pure holiday joy.
I usually triple the recipe because I love to freeze it. It makes the very best chicken pot pies if you thicken it and put it into a wonderful crust with a lattice! I would say to feel free taking liberties with the recipe, I certainly have. I love peas and mushrooms, so I always add more and for me?
Serves 8–10
Ingredients
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
• 1 ½ cups diced yellow onion
• 1 ½ cups diced celery
• 1 ½–2 pounds chicken breast, diced into small bite-sized pieces
• 8 ounces button mushrooms, thinly sliced
• 1 jar pimentos, drained and chopped (about ½ cup)
• 1 ½ cups fresh or frozen peas
• 1 cup hot water mixed with 1 tablespoon
Better Than Bouillon Organic Roasted Chicken
• 4 cups half-and-half
• ⅓–½ cup gravy flour or Wondra (enough to thicken to a silky sauce)
• 1 cup dry sherry (or Madeira, if you prefer)
• ½–1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Buttered toast points or puff-pastry shells, for serving Instructions
1. Sauté the aromatics.
In a large, heavy pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onions and celery and cook until soft and translucent, about 8–10 minutes. They should be tender but not browned.
2. Add the chicken.
Stir in the diced chicken breast and cook gently, letting it poach in the butter and vegetable juices. Keep the heat moderate; the goal is tenderness, not browning.
3. Add mushrooms, pimentos, and peas. Stir in the mushrooms, pimentos, and peas. Let everything soften and mingle, stirring occasionally.
4. Add the broth and half-and-half. Pour in the hot water mixed with the roasted chicken bouillon, then add the half-and-half. Warm gently until everything begins to relax into the cream. Do not allow it to boil.
5. Season and thicken.
Add the garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle in the gravy flour a little at a time, whisking constantly, until the sauce thickens to a smooth, luxurious consistency.
6. Finish with sherry.
Get the look that makes the season bright!
Stir in the sherry (or Madeira). Let the mixture simmer for a few more minutes, just long enough for the flavors to bloom and the alcohol to mellow.
7. Taste and adjust.
Add more salt, pepper, or sherry to taste. It should be rich, fragrant, and deeply comforting.
Serve!
Tower City Center unveils magical holiday wonderland
This holiday season, Tower City Center will be transformed into a winter wonderland with a variety of free, family-friendly experiences through Dec. 31st
With the return of Tower City for the Holidays, presented by Bedrock, visitors can rediscover the joy and nostalgia of the season through dazzling décor and interactive holiday programming.
Tower City for the Holidays will include:
Bruce the Spruce Forest, anchored by Bruce the Spruce, a talking tree. Holiday Sock Skating, an iceless indoor rink offering the joy of skating in socks or shoe covers.
Magical VR Sleigh Ride, a virtual reality journey around the globe aboard Santa’s sleigh.
The “Story” Slide, an eight-foot slide inspired by the classic film, “A Christmas Story.” Tower City Snow Shows, indoor “snowfall” with music, a 35-foot holiday tree and lighting effects in Skylight Park.
WinterLand at Tower City – A festive kickoff event, in partnership with Downtown Cleveland Inc., with crafts, ice carving and a glow party on November 29 from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Donte’s Gift Express – Celebrating its 13th year with performances, gifts and holiday crafts on December 20 from noon to 4 p.m. Noon Year’s Eve – A family-friendly New Year’s Eve celebration from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. featuring dance parties and a 6,000+ balloon drop at noon.
Special Events: Donte’s Gift Express: December 20, noon to 4 p.m.
Noon Year’s Eve: December 31, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
For more information, visit TowerCityCenter.com and BedrockDetroit. com
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Can’t find the perfect gift for Grandma or Dad that shows how unique and special they are? Come into Sedlak Interiors to find that perfect gift for that someone special! Clocks, lamps & lighting, mirrors, wall art, ornamental rugs and so much more! SEDLAK INTERIORS SedlakInteriors.com, 4300 Solon Road, Solon, OH | 440-248-2424
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Our newest Wellness-Based brand is perfect for holiday gifting - featuring luxe body creams, body mousses, mini roll-on perfumes, and nontoxic candles with wood wicks. BASE BOUTIQUE, 440.318.1012, 100 N. Main St. #220, Chagrin Falls.
This beautiful, 14kt white gold, cabochon cut deep red ruby and sparkling diamond pendant will certainly guarantee a Big Bear Hug! ROBERT & GABRIEL JEWELERS, 440.473.6554, robertandgabrieljewelers.com.
Elegance reimagined. Discover the Marco Bicego collection at ALSON JEWELERS, Woodmere, alsonjewelers.com.
Cookies! Currents reporters share favorite sweet treat recipes of the season
Iasked our Currents reporters to submit one of their favorite holiday cookie recipes to share with readers this season. We’re hopeful that one (or more) of these tested, tried and true recipes will inspire you to set aside some time this busy season to bake – for family, friends, neighbors or anyone who would appreciate a sweet treat. Enjoy~! From our kitchens to yours, we hope this holiday season will be meaningful and memorable for all of you…. Kelli Cotesworth McLellan
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
Submitted by Cynthia Schuster Eakin (Makes 60 cookies)
When my children were young, I spent hours baking fancy Christmas cookies for the holidays. My daughter always preferred this simple cookie...a combination of pumpkin, spices and chocolate. And, they freeze well.
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup white sugar
1 cup light brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 cup canned pumpkin puree
3 cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp. ground ginger
1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg
1/4 tsp. ground cloves
2 Cups (12-ounce bag) milk chocolate chips
Nonstick cooking spray or parchment paper
Directions
Heat the oven to 350 degrees F. Spray cookie sheets with nonstick spray or line them with parchment paper.
Using a mixer, beat the butter until smooth. Beat in the white and brown sugar, a little at a time, until the mixture is light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs, one at a time. Then, mix in the vanilla and the pumpkin puree. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and cloves. Slowly beat the flour mixture into the batter in thirds. Stir in the chips. Scoop the cookie dough by tablespoons onto the prepared cookie sheets and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the cookies are browned around the edges. Remove the cookie sheets from the oven and let the cookies rest for two minutes. Take the cookies off the sheets with a spatula and cool them on wire racks.
Grandma Russ’s No-Bake Chocolate
Coconut Cookies
Submitted by Andrea C. Turner
Ingredients:
3 cups quick oats
1 cup shredded coconut
2 cups sugar
½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
Christmas Mint Brownie Bars
Submitted by Beth Schreibman Gehring (Makes 24 to 32 bars)
Directions
Line a baking sheet with waxed paper.
Mix oats and coconut in a large bowl until thoroughly combined.
Stir sugar, cocoa powder, milk, vanilla and butter together in a saucepan over medium heat until smooth. Stir constantly to blend for 2 minutes. Pour over oats and coconut; mix together to coat.
Drop tablespoonfuls onto the prepared baking sheet into rounded balls. Let cookies cool and harden. Store in an airtight container. Enjoy with coffee, your favorite milk choice, or a glass of red wine.
These are the Christmas bars I grew up with — a fudgy brownie base, a pale green peppermint frosting, a glossy layer of dark chocolate, and a snowfall of crushed peppermint sticks scattered over the top. They’re unabashedly rich, wonderfully nostalgic, and absolutely perfect on a December cookie plate.
Ingredients
Brownie Layer
• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup cocoa powder
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Mint Frosting Layer
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 2–3 tablespoons heavy cream (or milk)
• 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
• A few drops green food coloring
Chocolate Topping
• 1 ½ cups semisweet chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate
• ½ cup unsalted butter
• ½–1 cup crushed peppermint sticks or candy canes, for scattering over the top
Instructions
1. Make the brownie base
Heat oven to 350°F.
Line a 9x13 baking pan with parchment. Melt the butter in a medium saucepan. Stir in the cocoa until smooth.
Remove from heat and stir in the sugar. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Add the flour, salt, and vanilla and stir just until combined.
Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
Bake for 20–25 minutes, until the brownies are set but still soft in the center.
Cool completely before frosting.
2. Make the mint frosting
Beat the softened butter until creamy. Add powdered sugar, cream, peppermint extract, and food coloring.
Beat until smooth, fluffy, and pale green.
Spread the frosting over the cooled brownies.
Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm the layer before adding the chocolate.
3. Make the chocolate layer
In a small saucepan, melt the chocolate and butter together over low heat, stirring until smooth.
Let it cool for a few minutes until warm rather than hot.
Pour over the chilled mint frosting and tilt the pan so the chocolate forms a smooth, even sheet.
Add the peppermint topping
While the chocolate is still soft, sprinkle the crushed peppermint sticks evenly over
the top.Use your hand to press very gently so the pieces adhere. Refrigerate until the chocolate is fully set.
5. Slice and serve
Lift the bars from the pan using the parchment.
Cut into 24 large bars or 32 smaller squares using a sharp knife dipped in hot water for clean slices.
Holiday-ish Penuche Fudge (a.k.a. Praline Fudge if you’re from the South) adapted from Allrecipes.com ~ Submitted by Sarah Jaquay We often make penuche fudge @ the holidays as it’s known in New England (a.k.a. praline fudge in the South.) I add dried cranberries or cherries to “holiday” up the colors and cut the sweetness. I use allrecipes.com Penuche fudge for the basic recipe (see below) . I love this recipe because my Mom was from the South. She made this fudge for us when we were little kids. We loved to say “Penuche” (pronounced pen-oochee) b/c it sounded funny. We also were delighted to discover penuche-flavored ice cream on the menu at Country Maid ice cream in Richfield, OH. My family discovered penuche ice cream during the 1962 Cleveland newspaper strike. There was a total newspaper “blackout” in sympathy with striking Teamsters and our parents were slowly losing their minds without any source of daily news other than television.
One Sunday many weeks into the strike, my Dad took us on a long drive in search of an Akron-Beacon Journal paper. We didn’t find one, but we all fell in love with Country Maid’s penuchi fudge ice cream. You can still get it there today! http://www.countrymaid.com
Holiday-ish Penuche Fudge Candy (adapted from Allrecipes.com)
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Servings: 64
Ingredients:
2 cups brown sugar
1 cup white sugar
1 cup heavy cream
Turn to Cookies on Page B10
2 tablespoons light corn syrup
¼ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract OR real maple extract
½ cup chopped pecans (and if you’d like some holiday color, ½ cup chopped dried cranberries or dried cherries)
Step 1
Butter an 8x8-inch square dish
Step 2
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine brown sugar, white sugar, cream, corn syrup, and salt. Stir until sugar is dissolved. Heat the saucepan until a small amount of syrup dropped into cold water forms a soft ball that flattens when removed from water and placed on a flat surface, between 234 and 240 degrees F (112 to 116 degrees C). Remove from heat and let cool without stirring until the bottom of the pan is lukewarm. Pour in vanilla (or real maple extract) and beat until creamy. Stir in nuts (& berries.) Pour into prepared pan.
Step 3
Let cool completely before cutting into squares
Russian Tea Cakes/Snowballs
Submitted by Rita Kueber
Unapologetically old-school. This is the Classic Betty Crocker recipe. (If you prefer adding chocolate/almond meal, etc., you do you!) But nothing beats the sweet/savory combination of salted butter and powdered sugar. A sort of shortbread with a melt-inyour-mouth texture. Delicious as dessert, or as a snack with coffee or tea.
(Makes four dozen cookies)
Ingredients:
1 cup salted butter, softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 1/4 cups Gold Medal™ All Purpose Flour 3/4 cup finely chopped nuts (optional, walnuts or pecans are usually added here)
1/4 teaspoon salt
Additional powdered sugar, for rolling Directions
Heat oven to 400°F.
Mix butter, 1/2 cup powdered sugar and vanilla in large bowl, until completely smooth. Stir in flour, nuts, and salt until dough holds together.
Shape dough into 1-inch balls. Place about 1 inch apart on ungreased cookie sheet. (I use a ruler for the first one or two, then match the rest to that size.)
Bake 10 to 12 minutes or until set but not brown. Remove from cookie sheet. Cool slightly on wire rack. (These don’t spread, but don’t crowd your pan – the heat has to reach all parts of the cookie.)
Roll warm cookies in powdered sugar, cool on wire rack. Roll in powdered sugar again to ensure a thorough coating.
Submitted by Jeannie
Emser Schultz
During World War II strict rationing of butter and sugar jeopardized my Grandma’s usual marathon baking of Christmas cookies. Her extended family came to the rescue by relinquishing their own ration coupons so Grandma could make the same cookies she had been baking since she was a girl in Poland.
Ingredients
1½ cups flour
1 stick unsalted, cold butter in small dice
3 medium eggs (whites and yolks separated)
¼ cup sour cream
1 ½ cups sugar
1 ½ cups walnuts ground or finely chopped
1 t rum extract
(2 T each all=purpose flour and sugar)
2 c powdered sugar Directions
Blend butter into the 1½ c flour using either a pastry cutter or food processor until crumb-like consistency. In another bowl whisk together egg yolks and sour cream, then mix with the dry ingredients. Knead the dough until it’s the consistency of pie dough, then shape into balls the size of walnuts. Cover and refrigerate at least an hour
Filling: Beat the egg whites until fluffy. Add the sugar little by little, beating until well blended and the mixture becomes stiff. Add the rum extract then gently fold in the ground walnuts.
Assembly: In a medium bowl, whisk together two tablespoons each all-purpose flour and sugar. Roll the balls in the flour/ sugar. Place half back in the fridge while you prepare the other half.
On a lightly floured surface, roll out balls into a very thin circle. Place a heaping teaspoon of filling on each circle and roll into a crescent shape. Pinch ends tightly. Place seam-side down on a greased or parchment-lined cookie sheet. Repeat process with remaining dough.
Bake at 350 degrees for 12 to 15 minutes. Cool slightly but roll cookies in powdered sugar while still warm. Yield: 24 cookies. Grandma’s Ginger Cookies
Submitted by Peggy Turbett
Sundays after Mass at Lorain St. Mary’s, my family would swing by Grandma Turbett’s
on E. 9th Street. One of us kids would run in to her kitchen and pick up two Maxwell House Coffee tins filled with her Saturday baking. When the waft of ginger filled the car on the way home, even the chocoholics were happy. For the 60 some years since, I always figured Grandma’s Ginger Cookies came from a local recipe – with its measure of “a ball the size of large walnuts” – either from her friends or the Catholic Universe Bulletin. A few weeks ago I made a batch, and as I wiped down the side of the store-bought Grandma’s Molasses jar, I was stunned. There on the label was the recipe for Molasses Krinkles, right down to the walnut-sized dough balls. So they are Grandma’s cookies after all! Here’s my updated version, with an option to freeze the dough for later baking.
Makes about four dozen cookies
Oven setting:
375 degrees for conventional electric oven, 350 degrees for convection baking.
Mix together thoroughly: 3/4 cup butter
1 cup brown sugar
1 egg
1/4 cup molasses
Sift together the following ingredients, being sure to blend the spices evenly:
2 ¼ cups flour
2 tsps. baking soda
1/4 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. ground cloves
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. ginger
Add the sifted dry ingredients to the butter/ sugar mixture until thoroughly incorporated. Chill the dough, then form balls the size of large walnuts. Roll the balls in granulated sugar and place about 3 inches apart on a greased or parchment-lined cookie sheet. Sprinkle each cookie with 2-3 drops of water, to get the krinkly top. Bake just until set but not hard, about 10-12 minutes, at 375 degrees for electric oven, 350 degrees for convection baking. This makes about four dozen cookies.
Note: I use a small dough scoop to make the balls, then roll in granulated sugar and bake as above. OR you can put the sugar-coated balls in freezer-safe container and store in the freezer. Just pop the frozen balls on a lined cookie sheet, sprinkle with the water drops, and bake as directed.
Polish Kifli Cookies
Fireside Books suggests titles for gifting to people of all ages this season
By MARGARET CIBIK
Fireside Books in Chagrin Falls is a great place to shop for gifts for people of all ages in this (or any) season! What follows are some page-turning recommendations for gifting this season.
For kids, this is a magical time of year and there is no shortage of holiday themed books to indulge a child’s sense of wonder and imagination. Book seller and children’s floor manager Valerie Suffron serves up some sweet picks the whole family will enjoy at this time of year.
First up is “Cat’s Christmas,” written and illustrated by Alison Murray. It’s a charming story that follows a very grumpy cat who hates everything Christmas as he wanders out into the night to escapes all the noise, toys and strangers only to realize that maybe Christmas isn’t all that bad after all. This adorable book is perfect for kiddos with kitties and sure to be a holiday family favorite.
“Who Donut? A Holiday Mystery” written by Josh Funk and illustrated by Brendan Kearney is the seventh book in a series that follows Lady Pancake and Sir French Toast. This time, the breakfast pair team up to solve the mystery of the missing Agatha Crispy manuscript that was stolen from her book reading at Gingerbread Mansion. “Who Donut?” gives kids a chance to put on their own detective hats, using their imaginations to solve the mystery alongside Lady Pancake and Sir French Toast.
“The Gift of Words” written and illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds is about a boy named Jerome, from Reynold’s book “The Word Collector.” Jerome sets off to collect words for the holidays but what he finds is less than inspiring and decides to bring hope back to the holidays with the invaluable gift of words. This moving story reminds us that this time of year is not about the things we get but the love we can give.
Fireside also has no shortage of great fiction finds. From the most anticipated mystery-thrillers to compelling literary fiction, shop manager Carole Watson handpicks novels that she not only loves but has had a hard time keeping on the shelves.
“The Black Wolf” by Louise Penny is book 20 of the widely popular “Chief Inspector Armand Gamache” series. In this latest installment, Gamache wades in the aftermath of uncovering a horrific terrorist plot. Even though Gamache and his team stopped that attack from happening and arrested the perpetrator called the Black Wolf, he now questions everything as he begins to see that this attack goes deeper than he ever could have imagined. Did he get the right man or has his mistake only fueled the fires of Black Wolf and his mission?
“The Correspondent” by Virginia Evans is a beautiful story about grief and healing old wounds. Sibyl Van Antwerp has been so many things throughout her life: a wife, a divorcee, a mother and grandmother. The story of her life can be unfurled in letters she has sent throughout her many years. When she receives a letter from someone in her past, she is forced to confront a difficult time in her life and learns about the healing power of forgiveness. This is Virginia Evan’s debut novel and has become an unexpected, breakout hit.
“Culpability” by Bruce Holsinger is a 2025 Oprah’s Book Club pick that follows a family drama in the aftermath of a deadly self-driving car crash, challenging the family with moral dilemmas of ethical responsibilities and AI accountability, but also incriminating secrets that questions who really was at fault for the accident. The driver or the AI?
Other great fiction books you won’t want to miss include “Life & Death & Giants” by Ron Rindo and “The Guardian and A Thief” by Megha Majumdar.
If you’re looking for a gripping true story, Fireside has some great recommendations that make for riveting nonfiction reads you won’t be able to put down.
“The Gales of November: The Untold Story of the Edmund Fitzgerald” by John U. Bacon is an in-depth account derived from over 100 interviews with the family and friends of the 29 men whose lives were tragically lost when the SS Edmund Fitzgerald sunk on November 10, 1975, not only delving into the history of the Great Lakes freighter, but also pays tribute to the lives lost and the legacies left behind.
“Nobody’s Girl: A Memoir of Surviving Abuse and Fighting for Justice” by Virginia Roberts Guiffre is a memoir that chronicles her abuse by Jeffrey Epstein, how she was exploited by Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell, her allegations against Prince Andrew and her fight for survival and justice told in her own words before she took her own life in April of 2025.
“Why Can’t This Team Just Find a Quarterback? And Other Thoughts on Life in
Browns Town” by Terry Pluto is perfect for the Brown’s fan in your life who asks themselves that very same question every Sunday. In this book, Pluto explores the Brown’s struggles, and their never-ending search for a quarterback since their return to Cleveland in 1999. He also examines the worst deals made and the fan experience that has seen 25 years of roller coaster moments and disappointments.
Fireside also has a great selection of coffee table books for gifting, including “The World of Whiskey” by Felipe Schrieberg which explores the history of whiskey, how it’s made and how production continues to evolve. This massive book also includes interviews with experts and profiles on the most renowned whiskey makers in the world.
“The Look” by Michelle Obama is like a biography in photos that celebrates the former first lady’s style from the very beginning of her public life to present day. The book features over 200 photographs, including never-before-seen pictures and behind-the-scenes stories from Michelle and the people close to her.
“The Lost Kitchen Volume 2: Big Heart Little Stove” is a cookbook that encourages you to create thoughtful moments by using what is around you. With ingenious hospitality tips and
tricks, this book includes more than 75 recipes that don’t disappoint and are soon to become delicious favorites.
“Norman Rockwell’s Christmas Book” because it doesn’t feel quite like Christmas without his iconic holiday images that capture the nostalgic spirit of the season and can warm even the biggest scrooge’s heart.
“The Elegant life by Alex Papachristidis, Still: Art of Noticing” by Mary Jo Hoffman and the “1945 Sears Christmas Book” by Sears & Roebuck Co. and “Pioneer Woman Cooks: Essential Recipes” by Ree Drummond would also make great additions to any living room or kitchen table.
In addition to books, Fireside offers an incredible display of puzzles and games that the whole family will enjoy to literary inspired gifts like a vase made to look like your favorite classic, stunning journals, stocking stuffer options and so much more. Whatever you’re looking for, it’s no secret that Fireside Books is Chagrin village’s one-stop shop for fun gifts for everyone this year.
Fireside Books is located at 29 N Franklin Street, Chagrin Falls, OH 44022. For information, visit firesidebookshop.com or call (440) 247-4050.
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Andrew Zashin, Founding Partner and Kyleigh Weinfurtner, Managing Partner
Holiday bell ringers highlight the Salvation Army’s year-round need
By MICHELE COLLINS
When one hears the familiar bell ringers of the Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Campaign at the entrance to their holiday shopping destination, it’s easy to pass by without a second thought. The holidays are a busy time for everyone, and every family has a long list to complete.
But for some, the holidays are also a time of great need.
The funds raised by Salvation Army bell ringers provide for social services assistance, homeless shelters, disaster relief, children’s programs, rehabilitation services, anti-human trafficking, and more.
“For every two hours a volunteer rings a bell, it helps us to fund 104 meals for those in need,” Capt. Barton shared.
Volunteers are at the heart of the annual bell-ringing ritual, and Capt. Barton said more volunteers are always needed.
were going hungry. He remembered how at seaports in England, kettles were positioned so those coming ashore could toss a coin into the kettle to help the poor. He set out a pot with a sign that read, “keep the pot boiling,” in the ferry landing area where he lived, and soon he had enough money to help the poor in his community for Christmas.
In fact, according to Captain Travis Barton, community corps officer of the Salvation Army East Cleveland, this year the need has doubled.
“With the government shutdown, layoffs and the high prices of food, we are seeing twice as many people who are in need of our help,” he shared.
But the bell ringers, who are stationed around the community during the holidays in November and December, don’t just help for the holidays, they actually help to support the Salvation Army’s year round philanthropic missions.
“If you can volunteer any of your time, even just two hours, you can take a long lunch, or take off early from work, and help us,” he said.
Volunteers can go to registertoring.com and sign up to be a bell ringer from now until Dec. 24.
Helping the poor has been part of Salvation Army’s mission for more than 100 years. The idea to ask for help from the many to help the poor is said to have started in 1891, when Salvation Army Captain Joseph McFee was distraught because so many poor individuals in San Francisco
Dear Santa ...
Area
nonprofits create wish lists for the holidays
and beyond
By RITA KUEBER
As both Scrooge and the Grinch discovered, Christmas and the spirit of giving can live in one’s heart all year round. While monetary gifts to the organizations below or to your own favorite charity are always welcome, often the gifts of time or talent are as important – and maybe more so than the gift of treasure. Currents had the chance to catch up with three nonprofits that do a lot of heavy lifting throughout the year, so we asked them what’s on their wish list for Christmas and for 2026.
BigHearted Blooms
This nonprofit culls once-used flowers from weddings, corporate events, memorials, and retail shops, and repurposes them into fresh arrangements for individuals in hospitals, senior living facilities, and care facilities throughout Greater Cleveland. Founded in 2018, BigHearted Blooms has placed more than 60,000 bouquets into the hands of individuals who are lonely, isolated, or facing difficult life challenges.
Board member Mary Beth Marks was happy to share via email the two main things the organization is hoping for in the coming months. Petal Partners is the first. “BigHearted Blooms relies on our volunteers to fulfill our mission,” she writes. “Our volunteers pick up flowers from donors around Cleveland, prepare the flowers for re-use, create new floral arrangements, and deliver the arrangements to individuals residing in care facilities. The organization also needs people to join the Associate Board*. “Launched earlier this year, the Associate Board is composed of early- to mid-career professionals who support the organization with fundraising, volunteerism, and community
outreach,” she says.
In addition to flowers, BigHearted Blooms accepts donations of small to medium-sized vases. Monetary gifts are used directly for operations, including rent, composting, and insurance, as well as for basic supplies. Volunteers do most jobs for the organization, including picking up flowers from various locations and delivering them to the main workshop. Volunteers also collect flowers from venues post-event or wedding. In a quick turnaround, more volunteers deconstruct finished bouquets and reassemble them into individual gifts. Finally, volunteers deliver the finished bouquets to various senior living communities, hospitals, and more. Both individuals and groups of volunteers are welcome.
*Inquiries regarding the associate board: BHBAssociateBoard@gmail.com www.bigheartedblooms.org
5122 St. Clair Avenue, Cleveland Kids’ Book Bank
In a way, Christmas came a little early for the Kids’ Book Bank as they moved into a new location two months ago. The new facility is in the Jefferson-Puritas neighborhood in Cleveland. Their mission is to foster literacy and a love of reading by distributing free books to children, collaborating with community partners.
“We just completed a two-million-dollar capital campaign that allowed us to purchase the building last February,” says Leslie FitzSimmons, Communications Manager for the book bank. “We made slight renovations, made the building ADA accessible, and we opened on October sixth. “We have 24,000 square feet here, four times the space. We can store more books, welcome more volunteers, and now we have some office space for staff – previously we all just sat around a table,” she says.
The wish list includes books and volunteers. “If you’re clearing space for new presents, you can get rid of your older books or run a book drive,” she says. “And we would love
Today, the Salvation Army will serve more than 25 million people across America annually– including many in the local community. That means 55-plus million meals for the hungry, 10-plus million nights of shelter for the homeless, and countless Christmas gifts for children who may otherwise go without, according to the Salvation Army website.
Today, the Red Kettle Campaign is also active in the Solon-Chagrin Falls area. Capt. Barton said that there will be bell ringers at Solon’s Miles Market, Hobby Lobby and Giant Eagle Market District stores, as well as at the Walmart in Aurora. And, new as of last year, many of the bell ringers can now take credit card payments through
their tip/tap device system which allows donations in $5, $10, and $20 increments. Having no cash is no longer a deterrent to helping the poor, he said.
The Salvation Army’s East Cleveland branch oversees the Cuyahoga County district, and offers not only food and meals to the hungry, it also hosts a summer camp for needy youngsters, and a drop in center for youth throughout the year.
“The Salvation Army does not ask for proof of your circumstance, it does not ask for explanations, our meals are for all,” he said.
This year’s campaign theme is “Give with Joy,” a reminder that when one gives to others, it is they who receive the joy of service.
So as you rush from store to store completing your holiday errands, take a moment to listen to the bells, and be reminded to toss in a dollar, tap your credit card, or volunteer an hour of your time to help someone from your very own community who needs a helping hand this holiday season.
more volunteers - now we can have up to forty people per shift. Sorting through books is a really fun, enjoyable experience.” Groups and families are welcome.
“It took us a long time to find this space, but we are so happy here; everyone who comes in is just blown away. It really is a better environment for everyone, and we’re using it for things like welcoming partners and hosting meetings, things we weren’t able to do before.”
The Book Bank has over twenty drop-off bins from Avon to Chagrin Falls. The newest bin is in MidTown. “When we left, we took our bin,” Leslie explains. “The Children’s Museum generously offered to host a dropoff box on their property, so we’re still in MidTown,” she adds. www.kidsbookbank.org 13913 West Parkway Road, Cleveland
The Sanctuary for Senior Dogs
The Sanctuary for Senior Dogs was founded 25 years ago by Deborah Workman. For the first six years, the headquarters were her mudroom. Through volunteering at various kennels, she found that senior dogs (about seven years old or more) tended not to get adopted simply because of their age. The mission to rescue and care for seniors for the rest of their lives has struck a nerve in the community. The organization just celebrated its “Silver Paw Anniversary” last month.
Sarah Keefer, the founder’s first dog walker, is now the office manager. “The majority of our dogs come from shelters and pounds. We don’t know their history,” Sarah says. But once a senior dog is taken in by the Sanctuary, they have a home for life. They live with foster families waiting for adoption. We provide vet care, medication (if needed), supplies, and toys for the fosters, about 25 to 30 dogs at any given time.
“The dogs don’t know they’re not adopted,” Sarah adds. “They just know they’re being loved and cared for.” The organization even offers a professional dog trainer to help with the transition. “We work to be sure a foster is a good fit for everyone, and if not, we 100%
take the dogs back. Once we say we’ll help a dog, they have a place in our organization forever.”
The Sanctuary’s wish list includes vitamins and supplements for joint health, high-quality treats made in the US, and pet store/grocery store gift cards. The other wish is for volunteers for home check-ups and more, as well as more foster families.
Sarah shared several success stories. “Occasionally, we spot a dog with a special personality, and we train them to be therapy dogs to visit group homes, hospitals, and hospices. We go to the Tri-C library during finals week to support the students who are a little stressed. We have therapy dogs who are trained to sit and listen so children can practice reading to someone who doesn’t judge. The dogs may be old, but they can still go in and brighten someone’s day,” she adds.
sanctuaryforseniordogs.org
4860 Broadview Road, Cleveland
Deborah Workman with her sanctuary dog, Polly.
Chagrin Falls Meals-on-Wheels Marks 50 Years of Service
Chagrin Falls Meals-on-Wheels (CFMOW) is celebrating 50 years of providing affordable, home-delivered meals to those for whom preparing meals is a difficult task. They serve the elderly, disabled, and those recovering from surgery or illness.
It was the late Lynn Wilson who saw the need for a MOW program in Chagrin Falls after witnessing the benefits her mother enjoyed from a MOW program in Orville. Lynn put the “wheels in motion” by organizing a group of like-minded concerned citizens, and a steering committee was formed in 1975.
Initially sponsored by the Chagrin Falls Ministerial Association and the Curtiss Clinic, the steering committee comprised medical professionals, church parishioners, the Chagrin Falls Park Community Center, and other interested citizens. They worked for months to lay the foundation. Donations came in from the community, and with the help of attorney Edward Patton, CFMOW was incorporated in January 1976 as an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit.
Unlike many programs that rely on prepackaged food, CFMOW decided from the beginning that meals would be cooked from scratch. The first cook, Dorothy Locke, prepared meals in the Federated Church kitchen. Today, Chef Kim Luce continues the tradition at the Federated Family Life Center in Bainbridge, preparing both a full and a light meal that gets delivered by noon.
The first meal deliveries began in March, 1976 to just four recipients. There were 15 recipients by 1977. Today, the scale has grown dramatically. In 2025 alone, more than 26,000 meals were delivered to an average of 72 clients weekly. Despite this growth, CFMOW still operates with only one paid employee – the chef- and relies on dozens of volunteers to handle deliveries and operations.
Today, the demand for affordable meals has increased as food prices rise, putting pressure on elderly and disabled persons on a fixed income. CFMOW charges $ 6 per day for two meals, but with no government funding, it relies heavily on donations to cover the true cost of service.
A uniquely local service, CFMOW delivers only to homes under 10 miles from the Family Life Center. That, combined with local volunteers, makes it a ‘neighbors helping neighbors’ organization.
Those wishing to donate, volunteer, or sign up for meals service can visit www.chagrinfallsmeals.org
CFMOW’s original Executive Board, February 1976. Seated to the left is the late Lynn Wilson, CFMOW President. Seated to the right is the late Reverend James Jackson, Director of Chagrin Falls Community Center in 1976.
Our mission is to drive economic vitality by connecting entrepreneurs to the opportunities and resources they need to succeed.
Since 2010, more than $15B in economic impact has been generated by startups and small businesses assisted by JumpStart and our partners.
Taking Small Businesses To The
Next Level
JumpStart offers customized programmatic support and resources to increase the knowledge of small business owners and boost their company growth.
JumpStart is a nonprofit organization and has been a 501(c)(3) for 21 years. You can make a tax-deductible donation today at www.jumpstartinc.org/donate. Your contribution helps us provide free resources, mentorship and funding opportunities to local entrepreneurs. Unrestricted donations are especially valuable because they allow us to direct funds where they’re needed most — whether that’s supporting our small business programming, tech accelerators, expanding access to capital, or delivering hands-on advising and technical assistance.
MARY PAXTON Vice-President, Development
LORNE NOVICK Interim CEO
Leadership Team
Members of the 2025 Board of Trustees: Back Row L-R: Marla Lucarelli, Marty Robertson, Owen Foster, Tom Kress, Bobbie Flynt, Ken Anderson, Jim Thie. Front Row L-R: Kim Shepherd, Judy Lencewicz, Sue Mansour, Marlene Hallack, Nancy Adams. Not pictured: Tim Cogan.
National Philanthropy Day celebrates those who give
By CYNTHIA SCHUSTER EAKIN
National Philanthropy Day is a day set aside each November to celebrate those who make a difference in our philanthropic community. It is a day to honor those who give.
It is also the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Greater Cleveland Chapter’s largest fundraiser with profits benefiting scholarships and programming. AFP Greater Cleveland is made up of more than 300 nonprofit professionals, fundraisers, volunteer coordinators, event planners and grant writers.
This year’s event, chaired by AFP members LeAirra Lacey and Jena Olsen, and emceed by City Club of Cleveland CEO Dan Moulthrop, applauded several individuals and corporate entities.
The Philanthropist of the Year award was presented to JoAnn and Bob Glick. When the Glicks learned of MetroHealth’s vision to transform healthcare and uplift communities, they saw an opportunity to help shape a healthier future for Cleveland. Their $42 million gift, the largest in MetroHealth’s history, created The JoAnn and Bob Glick Fund for Healthy Communities and The JoAnn Zlotnick Glick Endowed Fund in Community Health. Through their support, MetroHealth became the first public, safety-net hospital to establish a professorship in Community Health Nursing with Case Western Reserve University’s Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing. They also lent their name to The Glick Center, the 11-floor hospital tower opened in November, 2022.
The Volunteer of the Year recognition was given to Fareed Siddiq, co-chair of the City Club’s Guardians of Free Speech campaign. As a member of its board, Siddiq has helped to ensure that this vital institution remains a place where ideas can flourish and voices can be heard.
Bank of America received this year’s Corporate Leadership Award for its enduring commitment to the people of Greater Cleveland. Bank of America’s work strengthens local nonprofits, expands educational access and advances racial and economic equity. Their collaboration with Cuyahoga Community College has opened new pathways for students to succeed, while their partnership with Near West Theatre has brought the arts to life for families across our city.
The Outstanding Foundation Award was presented to the Cavaliers Community Foundation led by Executive Director Pam Frasco. From programs that enhance youth education and recreation to health and wellness partnerships that serve families, their efforts reach beyond Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Their Puppy with a Purpose initiative provides service dogs to U.S. veterans or first responders with disabilities.
Sam Coury, recipient of the 2025 Youth in Philanthropy Award, inspires all of us with the compassion and creativity of our young leaders. At age 14, Coury volunteers with The Centers and other organizations, helping to organize community projects, assisting with youth programs, or lending a hand wherever he is needed. His story reminds us that leadership can start at any age, and is about the willingness to see a need and take action.
In addition to the award presentations, the event included an educational panel for AFP members. The topic was, “Sustaining Impact: How Cleveland Nonprofits are Leading Through Change.” Nonprofits are navigating a rapidly evolving landscape marked by shifting community needs, new funding realities and the call to engage the next generation of donors.
Moderator for the discussion was Eleanor Huston, senior vice president of CCS Fundraising. Her counsel has furthered the philanthropic efforts of institutions throughout the Midwest. Panel members included Wendy
Hoke, president of Beaumont School, Dr. Shenise Johnson Thomas, chief of external relations and development for Cleveland Public Library, and Margaret Sanchez, president and CEO of Esperanza.
Huston opened the talk by noting that resources are finite and donors are pushing nonprofits to think more collaboratively. Hoke reiterated that collaboration with Beaumont’s donor base and internal stakeholders is very important. Sanchez added, “I have never experienced such generosity as I have in Cleveland. It’s been an amazing experience. Just do your homework. Ask. People come forward. Let people know about your
organization. Invite them. We have invited other organizations to come to Esperanza to collaborate on grants.”
Building a team is also vital, according to the panelists. “No one could have predicted COVID. We created outside programs to address community needs,” Dr. Johnson Thomas emphasized. “Being able to have that flexibility in our strategic plan was necessary. Change is hard. You have to ensure that your strategy supports the challenges that you can’t predict.”
Hoke said that 85 percent of the students at Beaumont School are on some form of scholarship. “I tell them that someone made this possible for you. We would hope that you will give back and make an investment in an organization that needs you. You have to teach young people to be philanthropic,” she said. “While we honor our past, I am interested in building for the future.” At 175 years old, Beaumont School is the oldest school in the Diocese of Cleveland.
JoAnn and Bob Glick were the recipients of the 2025 Philanthropist of the Year award.
AFP panelists addressed the topic, “Sustaining Impact: How Cleveland Nonprofits are Leading Through Change.”
Donors Drive Transformational Progress at the Zoo
Cleveland Metroparks Zoo is nationally recognized as one of the United States’ best zoos – and closer to home, it represents a cherished community asset and a boon to Northeast Ohio. The Zoo generates $100 million in regional economic impact and draws more than 1.3 million people annually, making it among the most visited destinations in the region.
The Cleveland Zoological Society exists to fund the mission and operations of the Zoo, sustaining its world-class programs and bolstering new developments that support our region’s economy. Since 1998, Zoo Society donors have contributed more than $100 million toward Zoo programs, operations,
and capital improvements.
This support makes possible leading-edge animal care and health research, unmatched science education programs, and proven wildlife conservation efforts. Philanthropy catalyzes excellence, and the Zoo grows its impact in these facets of its mission locally and globally through the generosity of Zoo Society donors.
Currently, the Zoo Society is fundraising for Primate Forest, the largest capital project in Cleveland Metroparks history that will transform the Zoo experience for guests and provide a new home for many iconic Zoo species. As the Zoo steps boldly into this new era, there are many opportunities for
individuals, foundations, and corporations to get involved.
WAYS TO GIVE
JOIN:
The Pride Donor Circle is an annual giving program for individuals that provides unrestricted operating support to the Zoo Society and affords donors exceptional, insider opportunities at the Zoo.
Corporate Champions is an annual program designed to offer corporate supporters exclusive access to Zoo experiences. Corporate Champions enjoy benefits that engage employees, entertain clients and connect with community partners.
SUPPORT: Monthly Giving: Donate to a program of choice all year long.
Honor & Memorial: Recognize loved ones and life’s momentous occasions.
ZooFutures: Leave a lasting legacy by remembering the Zoo Society in estate planning.
Primate Forest: The largest capital project in the Zoo’s history, Primate Forest will not just create a new home for gorillas, orangutans and the many species currently in the RainForest— it will reimagine the Zoo experience in ways yet to be seen in North America.
DONATE: Visit clevelandzoosociety.org/donate to learn more and donate.
13th annual Coats & Cans for kids turkey giveaway
Kisling, Nestico & Redick (KNR) proudly hosted a community donation event at its Fairlawn office on Veterans Day, Tues., Nov. 11.
The firm distributed 1,000 free Thanksgiving turkeys to local families, encouraging attendees to give back by donating a gently used coat or non-perishable food item in exchange. Even after every turkey had been given away, KNR’s generosity continued. Guests who arrived after supplies were gone received $20 Giant Eagle gift cards, allowing them to purchase their own holiday turkey and share in the spirit of the season.
What began as a small neighborhood initiative has grown into one of the region’s most cherished traditions of kindness. Over the past 13 years, KNR’s Coats & Cans for Kids program has provided more than 600,000 meals and distributed over 12,000 turkeys to the community. The canned-food donations benefited the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank, while coats collected were donated to Volunteers of America Ohio & Indiana, supporting veterans and low-income families in need of warm winter outerwear.
“KNR believes that giving back isn’t just about one thing, it’s about addressing many needs at once,” said John J. Reagan, Managing Partner at KNR. “By combining turkey gifts with coats and canned goods, we’re showing up for families, veterans, and neighbors facing tough times this winter and holiday season.”
Community members who were unable to attend the Nov. 11 event may still donate gently used coats or non-perishable canned goods at any KNR office through the holiday season. All donations will continue to support the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank and Volunteers of America Ohio & Indiana.
Find beautiful gift items for men, women, children at Two & Company
As we head into the holiday season, Two Foundation, dba Two & Company, is excited to share comfort and joy with our fantastic community. It has been one year since we opened the doors of our new location and ten years since Two Foundation started the job readiness training program
Our amazing community of stakeholders, including donors, schools, businesses, exceptional trainees and their families, and, of course, our customers, has made this possible.
Two is your gift shopping destination for unique and beautiful items for women, children, and men. You can find everything from jewelry to clothing to toys to home goods.
Some of the brands include Kut from the Kloth, DIFF Eyewear, TravisMathew, Gentle Fawn, Thistle Farms, and Arcona Skincare, plus clean-burning candles hand-crafted by Two graduates. Buy once, give twice!
Please stop in and try our delicious seasonal drinks and pastries. Our cozy fireplace is a great spot to relax with friends. Enjoy
memories from Higbee’s, including our front window character displays, tables and chairs from the Silver Grille restaurant, and other fun memorabilia. Start new family traditions at Two.
Think of Two for your holiday catering sides, desserts, and pastries. Christmas orders are being taken through December 17. Place your orders online at https://twoandcompany.org/cafe/#catering. Questions? Contact 440.384.3236 or ask at the bakery
In January, we will open the Twogather Inn, a charming 1853 house on our property that sleeps six, with two full bathrooms, a full kitchen, dining, and living room. You can book at twoandcompany.org/stay/
We have a dedicated team of 60 employees who work together to provide job training, job development, job placement, followalong support, non-medical transportation, summer camps, TwoStrong fitness, and The Two16 Show.
Two Foundation is a 501 (C) (3) non-profit
organization. Please consider donating to Two Foundation with your year-end giving. You can make a huge difference and change lives! Twoandcompany.org/donate
The Season of Giving: How One Selfless Act Can Change a Life Forever
As the holiday season approaches, many of us turn our attention to giving — giving our time, our attention, our resources, and our love. But there is one form of giving that stands apart for its profound impact: the decision to become an organ, eye, and tissue donor. It is a gift not wrapped in ribbons or placed under a tree, yet it carries the extraordinary power to heal, restore, and even save a life. This time of year invites reflection. Around dinner tables across Northeast Ohio, families gather in gratitude — including families who know firsthand what the “gift of life” truly means. Some sit with an empty chair,
honoring a loved one whose legacy lives on because they said yes to donation in their most heartbreaking moment. Others gather with renewed joy, celebrating another year made possible by a donor they may never meet, but whose generosity they will never forget.
At Lifebanc, these intertwined stories of grief, courage, and hope define the work we do every day. Donor families make heroic decisions under unimaginable circumstances, transforming loss into healing for others. Their strength is matched by recipients who treat each day as a second chance — embracing life with gratitude, purpose, and a commitment to pay
that gift forward.
Behind every life saved is a community of healthcare professionals, first responders, and hospital partners who work tirelessly to honor each donation. Their dedication ensures that every family is supported, every donor is respected, and every transplant has the greatest chance for success.
Yet even as the need remains great, donor registrations across the country have declined. That means fewer lives saved, fewer families experiencing hope, and fewer futures restored. In a season centered on giving, this reality is a reminder of how vital each of us is in
strengthening the circle of life.
Becoming a registered organ, eye, and tissue donor is one of the most meaningful acts of generosity any person can offer. It takes only a moment — online at lifebanc.org or while renewing a driver’s license — but the impact can last for generations. One donor can save up to eight lives and heal more than 100 others.
This holiday season, as we celebrate generosity in all its forms, consider making a commitment that extends far beyond the season: give the gift of life. Your decision today could mean someone else has the chance to celebrate many more holidays with the people they love.
The Architecture of a Meaningful Gift
Turning generosity into structure allows giving to live at the same level of intention as investing.
Most people think of giving as a series of single acts: a donation made, a gift received, a brief sense of doing good. But these more meaningful parts of life deserve more of an intentional design. When generosity is built with intention, giving becomes less about reacting to requests and more about creating a lasting framework. A framework for the impact you want to make.
At LaChance Wealth Partners, we see charitable planning as an extension of portfolio design. The same principles that define a disciplined investment strategy also
apply to generosity. Each gift becomes a deliberate component of a larger structure that serves both financial and personal goals.
Many families start by asking a simple question: What do we want this gift to accomplish? The answer often reaches beyond charity itself. It may involve reducing concentrated stock positions, managing taxes during a high-income year, or teaching younger generations how to give wisely. When those objectives align, a gift does more than transfer money. It strengthens the entire financial foundation.
Tools such as donor-advised funds can simplify that structure by allowing you to make one contribution and support multiple causes over time. Donating appreciated stock instead of cash can unlock tax advantages that expand what the charity ultimately receives. Family meetings about shared causes can turn generosity into a living legacy that grows in meaning each year.
The result is not just efficiency but clarity. A well-structured giving plan brings confidence that each dollar leaves a purposeful trail, reflecting both your
values and your vision.
Money always moves. The question is whether it drifts or builds. With thoughtful design, generosity can do both. It can express who you are today and quietly shape what endures long after.
If you want to explore how thoughtful giving can fit naturally into your financial plan, visit LaChanceWealthPartners.com/ giving You do not have to change a thing. Just take a look. Sometimes clarity is the most generous thing you can give yourself.
Junior League, Cleveland Foundation establish $500,000 Impact Fund
The Junior League of Cleveland (JLC) is proud to announce a landmark partnership with the Cleveland Foundation through the creation of a $500,000 endowed fund. This investment strengthens JLC’s longterm financial sustainability and ensures the organization’s ability to invest in the Greater Cleveland community for generations to come.
The fund will be held and managed by the Cleveland Foundation, the world’s first community foundation with a proven track record of more than a century in nonprofit investment management. By leveraging the Foundation’s large investment pools, JLC will maximize the growth potential of its assets, preserving today’s dollars to meet tomorrow’s needs. The Cleveland
Foundation will steward the fund in partnership with JLC’s board of directors to support annual operations.
“With this investment, the Junior League of Cleveland is making a bold commitment to the future of our community,” said Barbara Kakiris, 23-25 President of the Junior League of Cleveland. “It is both a celebration of our history and a promise to the women and families of Cleveland that our impact will endure. Each year, we strive to focus our time, talent, and resources on a single priority issue for greater, long-term results. This year, that priority is Public Health.”
In 2024–2025, JLC raised over $30,000 for its Annual Fund, which supports operations, committee budgets, and community
initiatives. JLC also awarded $13,500 in scholarships for local women and launched the Seasonal Essential Kits initiative. The initiative meets community needs yearround, addressing the specific environmental challenges faced by people experiencing homelessness while keeping kits practical, portable, and life-sustaining. JLC also proudly partnered with the Northeast Ohio Black Health Coalition and hosted an inaugural Black Maternal Health Panel, advancing equity and education in the community.
The Cleveland Foundation will steward the fund in partnership with JLC’s board of directors, ensuring transparency, accountability, and the long-term multiplication of resources. Gifts to the Junior League of
Cleveland Fund are tax-deductible and will be invested to address the most pressing needs of tomorrow. For more information, visit www.juniorleaguecleveland.org or call the Cleveland Foundation at 216.685.2006. Founded in 1912, the Junior League of Cleveland (JLC) is a nonprofit organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women, and improving communities through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable. For more than 100 years, JLC has catalyzed lasting community change, supporting initiatives that strengthen Northeast Ohio. Follow them at @ juniorleaguecleveland.
Pajama Dance Party with Santa
Families across Northeast Ohio are invited to kick off the holiday season at one of the area’s most joyful and unique celebrations: the Pajama Dance Party with Santa, taking place Saturday, December 13, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Our Lady of the Cedars.
Presented by Crafty Steere, this community event brings families together for music, dancing, and unforgettable holiday memories—all while supporting a meaningful local cause.
Unlike traditional Santa breakfasts, the Pajama Dance Party with Santa offers an energetic and interactive holiday experience featuring:
• Dancing with Santa on a DJ-led dance floor
• Meet & Mingle time with Santa
• Professional Santa photos and a holiday photo booth
• Holiday buffet and hot chocolate bar
• Best Pajama Contest with major prizes, including:
Electric Scooter, VR Headset, Kids Playhouse, Local Gift Cards
(Prizes sponsored by Meglio Salon & Spa.)
Supporting Local Kids This Holiday Season
Each year, this event selects a local nonprofit beneficiary. For 2025, proceeds will support Embracing Futures, a nonprofit providing orthodontic and dental care assistance, along with vital oral health education, to children in Summit, Stark, Portage, Medina, and Wayne counties.
“We love creating an event that brings families together in such a fun, festive way while also supporting children in our community,” said event organizer Getta Kutuchief.
“The Pajama Dance Party with Santa has quickly become a favorite holiday tradition for so many families, and this year will be our best yet.”
Tickets are $30 each and are available now at teamnoroc.com.
Discover relaxing holidays when you visit Table 45 for Christmas or New Year’s Eve dinners. Immerse yourself in the holiday spirit at InterContinental Cleveland!
Envision yourself in a beautiful residence with plenty of space to enjoy — then stepping out into a close-knit community surrounded by nature’s splendor. Centered around an active, fulfilling senior lifestyle, Hamlet at Chagrin Falls offers a desirable location, flexible living options and newly upgraded residences. Many of our generous floor plans offer over 1,600 sq. ft. to make your own, and include two bedrooms, a den and two full bathrooms.
Come see how Hamlet is a natural fit for a renewed lifestyle without the hassles of homeownership. Contact us at 440-375-6009 to schedule a tour.
Local Nonprofits receive $2 million to defend access to care
Three Arches Foundation, a communityfocused grant making foundation, committed $2 million in annual funding to local nonprofit organizations in support of their work to safeguard efforts addressing barriers to health care amid a shifting landscape. Each grant reflects the Foundation’s priority focus on access to care, specifically programs and services that make it easier for people to navigate, understand, and use information and services to take care of their behavioral and physical health.
“We value the work these organizations do each day to deliver vital programs and services that enable people to access care - when, where, and how it’s needed - and recognize stability is essential to meeting immediate needs and improving health outcomes,” shared Kristin Broadbent, president and CEO of the Foundation. “At a time when nonprofits face increased demand while operating with constrained resources and capacity, these investments bridge gaps and keep momentum toward their ongoing efforts.”
This year’s funded partners represent a full continuum of both backbone and safety net health organizations striving to ease the struggle and complexity of accessing timely, affordable, and appropriate care. The work being done includes various forms of trauma-informed prevention and consultation, culturally and linguistically centered care, school-based health services, patient navigation and transportation, and physical health programming - offered within safe, trusting, and accessible environments.
The 2025 annual grant recipients include:
• B. Riley Sober House
• Bellefaire JCB
• Building Hope in the City
• Canopy Child Advocacy Center
• GiGi’s Playhouse Cleveland
• Haus of Transcendent
• In Harmony Therapeutic Services
• Journey Center for Safety and Healing
• LGBT Community Center of Greater Cleveland
• MedWish Medworks
• Neighborhood Family Practice
• Nueva Luz Urban Resource Center
• OhioGuidestone
• Planned Parenthood of Greater Ohio
• Re:Source Cleveland
• Signature Health
• Smart Development
• Spanish American Committee
• The Centers
• The Cleveland Clinic Foundation
• The Gathering Place
• The MetroHealth Foundation
• Urban Community School
Alongside this funding, the Renee Jones Empowerment Center will begin year two of a multi-year grant received in 2024. In addition, the Foundation continues its commitment to the collective needs of the broader nonprofit sector through active participation and renewed financial support of the Greater Cleveland Funder’s Collaborative.
For additional details about these grants, please visit www.threearchesfoundation.org/ grants-awarded
Three Arches Foundation is a 501(c)(3) public charity that invests in advancing the health and well-being of the people of Lakewood and surrounding communities through grant making. By connecting people, ideas and resources, the Three Arches Foundation fosters a collaborative approach towards investing in organizations whose work directly addresses the continuum of behavioral and physical health issues. For more information, visit www.threearchesfoundation.org
Licensed Art Therapist at UH Rainbow
Babies & Children’s Hospital Honored with National Compassionate Caregivers of the Year Award
Licensed art therapist and counselor at UH Rainbow Elise Bartoul, MA, LPC, LPAT, ATR-BC, is one of only three healthcare professionals nationwide to receive this year’s National Compassionate Caregivers of the Year Award from the Schwartz Center for Compassionate Healthcare.
As an art therapist in palliative care, Elise provides essential emotional and psychological support to patients, families, and healthcare staff during some of the most challenging moments in pediatric medicine. She has developed innovative therapeutic approaches for children facing terminal diagnoses and their families by creating opportunities for expression, connection, and healing when traditional medical interventions are no longer possible.
“We are incredibly proud of Elise and the meaningful difference she makes within our division of pediatric palliative care,” said Shari Racut, MA, LPCC, LPAT, ATR-BC, Manager, Family and Child Life Services at UH Rainbow. “Her innovative and compassionate approach to art therapy embodies the highest standards of care and humanity in medicine. This honor from the Schwartz Center is a well-deserved acknowledgment of her exceptional talent and impact she has on our patients and their families.” Her commitment extends beyond direct patient care. Elise supports bereaved families navigating profound loss and helps healthcare teams process the emotional toll of pediatric end-of-life care.
Since 1999, the Schwartz Center has presented the National Compassionate Caregivers of the Year Award to recognize healthcare professionals who demonstrate extraordinary compassion in caring for patients and families. Honorees are selected for their contributions to creating healing environments that support patients, families, colleagues, and the communities they serve.
Founded in 1995, the Schwartz Center for Compassionate Healthcare partners with healthcare organizations worldwide to strengthen compassion across care teams and patient relationships. Nearly 800 organizations around the globe host Schwartz Rounds, a program providing a dedicated space for healthcare workers to discuss the emotional aspects of their work, both its challenges and its rewards. Research shows that Schwartz Rounds enhance empathy, connection, and quality of care.
The Schwartz Center’s evidence-informed programs and resources are used across a range of care settings, including hospitals, outpatient clinics, cancer centers, VA medical centers, organ donation organizations, hospice providers, and more.
Elise and the other 2025 honorees were recognized on November 18 at the 30th Annual Kenneth B. Schwartz Compassionate Healthcare Dinner in Boston, Massachusetts UH Rainbow Babies & Children’s is Northeast Ohio’s most expansive pediatric care network, with more than 587,000 annual patient visits across 130 locations.
Elise Bartoul
Fall Foodie Market celebrates female food entrepreneurs
By CYNTHIA SCHUSTER EAKIN
The Fall Female Foodie Market, held at The Hall of St. James in Lakewood, celebrated the talented and diverse women-led food businesses in Northeast Ohio with an evening of sampling, mingling and shopping.
The showcase of locally made products was sponsored by Wonder Women of Food Cleveland. The group was founded with the intent to create a supportive network for women entrepreneurs in the food industry. The community is diverse, with members representing a wide array of products and businesses. About 40 different businesses participated in the fall market, which drew hundreds of enthusiastic and hungry shoppers. Here are a few highlights.
Artisan Cured Meats, a 100 percent women-owned small business, is led by Vittoria Colantuono, president and CEO, along with Olivia and Eva Colantuono. The family is dedicated to crafting authentic Italian cured meats like salsiccia, a dried cured sausage, and capicola, in small batches with love. Each product is made using time-honored techniques and high quality ingredients, producing products that bring people together around the table. Visit www.artisancuredmeats.com for product order information.
In 2011, Amy Mucha’s mother-in-law bought her a cake pop recipe book. That was the starting point of making cake pops for friends and family for fun. Her gifts were so well received that friends suggested she begin selling them. In 2018, Amy, a teacher at Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy, and one of
her high school math students decided to make a logo and social media pages for Daisy Pops. When COVID hit, Amy made the tough decision to retire from teaching and take on full time cake popping. She opened her first storefront in Kent,
OH, in Apr., 2023. The store is open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., with a pop-squad ready to help. They even host “poptacular” parties in the bakery. Amy said the goal of Daisy Pops is to add a little extra joy to her customers’ days one cake pop at a time. Go to www.daisypops.com to learn more.
perfected
Shanda Amundsen was a healthcare professional for more than 23 years. She always had a passion for health and wellness and incorporating naturopathic and holistic medicine into her family’s daily lives. So, when she came across research on elderberries and their health benefits, she and her husband began taking elderberry syrup. They both noticed the benefits of the syrup, but Shanda was not pleased with the cost and the taste. She embarked on perfecting a recipe that the whole family would enjoy and that was 100 percent natural.
G.R.A.C.E. Elderberry Co. products are now available in stores such as Fresh Thyme, Miles Farmers Market, Lucky’s Market and Lake Road Market in Rocky River. Visit www.graceelderberry.com for details.
Suzy Peck, the baker and decorator behind Peck Baking Co., creates custom decorated cookies that add a sweet touch to any occasion. Her cookie journey began in 2020 as a fun, creative outlet and quickly turned into a passion. Each cookie is a beautiful, edible work of art designed to reflect the unique theme of the celebration that you are marking. The Bay Village business has become a family affair, She said that her husband has perfected the recipe for making the icing and her young daughter and son are little baking assistants and occasional cookie snatchers. In addition to custom cookies, Suzy also offers cookie classes. Go to www.peckbaking.com
Terry Thomsen, the Pizza Bagel Lady, makes Cleveland’s famous cheese pizza bagels These traditions are saucy, fluffy, and have a center filled with more sauce and more cheese. Terry also makes 100 percent organic frozen dough balls and dry mixes. The Classic Original dough makes delicious pizza crusts, breads, pretzels, bagels and more. Terry said her pizza bagels are in high demand in school districts across the county. You can find her company’s products at Vera’s at the West Side Market, Market District stores in Ohio and Pennsylvania, Meijer Fairfax, Rego’s in Strongsville and at the Lake Road Market. Go to www. pizagel.com
Terry Thomsen, the Pizza Bagel Lady, makes Cleveland’s famous cheese pizza bagels and 100 percent organic frozen dough and dry mixes.
Photographs by Cynthia Schuster Eakin
Jim and Shanda Amundsen
a recipe for elderberry syrup that the whole family will enjoy.
Playhouse Square Center “Center Stage”
Playhouse Square (PHS) was abuzz with excitement on Nov. 8, as 700 guests gathered for its annual Center Stage benefit featuring a special performance by 2025 Tony Award winner Nicole Scherzinger. Supporters dressed in their finest black tie and gown formalwear with a speakeasy theme. A cocktail reception in the Mimi Ohio & KeyBank State Theaters was followed by a formal seated dinner on stage, under a chandelier canopy of red and pink flowers.
The event raised $350,000 which will directly support PHS’s Arts & Minds initiative. Launched in collaboration with Cleveland Clinic, its first Arts & Minds program, Dance for Parkinson’s, engages people with Parkinson’s and their care partners in meaningful arts experiences. The funds will support future expansion of programs for Alzheimer’s and dementia care patients, where movement and music is used to foster connection and community for those who need it most.
Long-time dance educator Joan Meggitt is the PHS Senior Manager of Neurological Programs, designing and implementing dance, movement, and arts programming for people living with these neurological disorders. Meggitt has taught dance for people of all ages and abilities for more than 30 years, and has engaged in research investigating dance and disability, Parkinson’s, and Multiple Sclerosis. She is completing the Dance for PD® Teacher Certification program.
Scherzinger received the 2025 Tony Award for Best Leading Actress in a Musical for her role as Norma Desmond in Jamie Lloyd’s “Sunset Blvd.,” following her Olivier Awardwinning performance in the same role in London’s West End. A Grammy-nominated singer and actress, she rose to global fame as a member of pop group “The Pussycat Dolls.” She has starred in “Cats,” “Guys and Dolls,” “Chicago,” and is known for her work on Netflix’s “Building the Band,” “The X Factor,” “The Masked Singer,” and Disney’s “Moana.”
Amy Brady and Beth Mooney served as benefit co-chairs. KeyBank, Cleveland Clinic and Beth Mooney served as diamond-level table sponsors; Terry & Sheldon Adelman, Steve & Ann Pigoni, and AJ & Nancy Stokes served as individual diamond-level sponsors.
Following Scherzinger’s performance featuring Broadway show tunes from “Sunset Blvd.” and more, a rendition of Prince’s “Purple Rain” and the Pussycat Dolls hit “Don’t Cha,” guests lingered at a dessert and dancing reception with entertainment by
BY ANDREA C. TURNER
a live cover band. STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHS
Amy Brady and Beth Mooney
Tony Award Winner Nicole Scherzinger
Amy Brady with David and Kim Sewell
Charlotte and Rex Harrison Serina Peck, MJ Morello, and Sandy Borrelli
Carlin Colston with Kristoffer Roxas
Former criminal defense attorneys now produce cider from apples grown on Hiram farm
By RITA KUEBER
ost of us could name our favorite local breweries without thinking too hard. Likewise, we could off-the-cuff name a local winery or two and the fun we had there this past summer. But to paraphrase Monty Python, for something completely different, we raise a toast to one of Ohio’s newest and rarest breweries, the Brownhoist Cider Company.
This is serious business from two (mostly) serious guys, partners David Doughten and Ed Vargas. Both are experienced criminal defense attorneys, both involved in complex cases often concerned with terrorism and capital punishment. “Too much tragedy,” David comments. Before they burned out completely, they sought to create something that people might enjoy.
According to their website, Brownhoist “makes the best dry ciders on the planet, from non-GMO & pesticide-free apples.”
These heirloom varieties of apples grow in an orchard in Hiram, Ohio. There, they “grow, pick, press, ferment, bottle and pour… ensuring only the best & most delicious cider hits your tastebuds.” Note these are “dry ciders” which have an alcohol content slightly stronger than a mug of beer but not as strong as a glass of wine.
The name comes from the fact that the tasting headquarters is located in the Brownhoist
Building at 4310 St. Clair Avenue in Cleveland. The converted industrial building (c. 1890) was originally the Brown Hoisting and Conveying Machinery Company, a historic Cleveland crane manufacturer. Today the building houses art galleries, a micro-theater, artists and other creatives, plus the cider company in the lower level called the bunker.
According to their website, Brownhoist “makes the best dry ciders on the planet, from non-GMO & pesticide-free apples.”
As David tells it, Ed was already making cider in his basement in Old Brooklyn. In 2020, the partners were trying to help a colleague find land to raise grass-fed beef. Serendipitously their search led to an abandoned orchard. An orchard so old and overgown, only deer paths led to the interior acres. We’re talking 130 acres of abandoned old-growth apple trees! Currently the orchard has 300 to 350 accessible fruit-bearing trees, with another
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40 percent of the orchard left to clear. A mechanical roller stabs about 10 gallons of apples in less than a minute, which beats the original work the partners did – gathering apples into 15-gallon buckets by hand. “Ed’s
the chemist – I run the orchard,” David says. “The pruning is about 60 percent done – lots of the trees were being choked out by weeds. And as trees age, they prune naturally.” (Read, limbs fall from the weight of all those apples.)
Ohio has several laws governing the fermentation and brewing of cider. Consequently, apples have to be pressed in the pole barn erected for the job on site. Hopefully the large structure will soon double as a second tasting room. The partners transport the pressed apple juice in 35-gallon totes, landing in their bunker downtown. David refers to Ed as Dr. Frankenstein, mixing up concoctions made from a blend of Old Courtland, Winesap, and MacIntosh to make the basic brews as consistent as possible. But then there are the Golden Delicious, the Northern Spy, and more varieties, which Ed mixes for different menu options.
As for the business side David is candid – they haven’t made money, but they don’t owe money either. “We don’t advertise. We
use the tasting room to get the word out,” he explains. He describes the nuances of finding other businesses to help with labeling and canning.
He also mentions the limited number of hours the partners have between them, since they both still work in the legal profession, although David is semi-retired. “We are one of the only cideries in the country that does everything start to finish,” he adds.
“One thing I was surprised about, I have to say, is that other cideries are the nicest, most helpful human beings on earth. They tell us everything. After the cut-throat legal community, it’s just refreshing to talk with people who want to see everyone succeed. They couldn’t be more helpful – that’s the part I didn’t know,” David states.
So where to taste these hand-crafted ciders? From the tasting room, sure, where retail is also available. At Goldhorn Brewery on East 55th, and certain hotels downtown. Some retailers, like Banter in Shaker Heights carry the limited-edition brews. “We’re not big enough to supply Heinen’s,” David says.
Yet even without advertising, word has gotten out so the tasting room in the Brownhoist bunker has hosted bikers, literary clubs, baby showers and wedding parties. The patio, when open, seats about 30. Eventually they would like to host food trucks and have a steady Puerto Ricoinfluenced menu, since David’s son-in-law is from PR.
He also talks hopefully of plans for the second tasting room in the pole barn at the orchard in Hiram, hoping to eventually draw cyclists, hikers, tourists and more. “We never make plans, so we’re never behind,” David says only half-joking. “We envision movie nights, live music, and also, we’re open to suggestions. We have a million plans – the goal posts are always shifting.”
Most recently the partners petitioned the State of Ohio to increase their capacity and are waiting for a reply. We hope for good news for the partners, and we look forward to our first glass of Brownhoist cider. https://www.brownhoistcider.com/
Riveon Mental Health and Recovery “Pearls of Wisdom”
The annual Riveon Mental Health and Recovery “Pearls of Wisdom” gala drew 400 guests in support of mental health, wellness and addiction recovery.
This year’s keynote speaker was world famous TV chef Andrew Zimmern, an Emmy and four-time James Beard Award winner. As the creator, executive producer and host of “Bizarre Foods,” Zimmern has devoted his life to exploring and promoting cultural acceptance, tolerance and understanding through food. He talks openly about his struggles to overcome addiction and achieve lasting sobriety.
At the gala, several individuals and organizations were recognized for outstanding contributions in support of addiction recovery and mental health. The President’s Award was presented to Joe Matuscak, Riveon chief marketing and development officer. The Community Service Award was given to Meaden and Moore Wealth Center and HMS Industries LLC. The John Longlais Award was presented to Todd Jaros.
The “Pearls of Wisdom” benefit and recognition dinner is held each year to honor individuals and organizations who help those impacted by mental health struggles and drug, alcohol and gambling addiction. The $200.000 raised at this year’s event will assist the nonprofit organization in its mission of prevention, treatment and recovery.
STORY BY CYNTHIA SCHUSTER EAKIN/PHOTOGRAPHS BY ERIC EAKIN
Dominic Barilla, Jody Qualls, Dawn Walther and Judge Jim Walther
Maggie Matuscak, Andrew Zimmern and Joe Matuscak
Michael Doud, Don Schiffbauer and Dan Haight
Dan Fike, Christi Paul and Joe Matuscak
Neal and Kim Saluja, Dr. Mario Sertick and Dr. Alex Zolla
By RITA KUEBER
Some homes transport us from here and now to some other realm or time, due to their style and setting.
This thought came to mind while touring the stunning Tony Paskevich-designed Mediterranean-style ranch at 7345 Salida. If you’ve been to Santa Barbara, you know how the area exudes a relaxed, west-coast vibe. Think wine festivals and arty cafes, breathtaking beaches and the colorful Santa Ynez mountains to the east. The entire city is a pastiche of modern convenience and cultural heritage.
The house on Salida emanates the same casually elegant ambiance, from the exterior clay tile barrel vaulted roof, to the interior beamed ceilings, the rich hardwood floors, and tile terrazzo in subtle, natural tones. The house has a total hacienda feel, with a sweeping view of Lake Erie. Here, with nothing to block the view, both sunrise and sunset offer incredible views.
From the oversized squared-off front door, visitors will notice an open floor plan from the entrance. The living room and an extended great room are directly ahead, with the kitchen/breakfast bar on the right, and further to the right a formal dining area, all with a spectacular view of Lake Erie, at the north-facing back of the house.
The living room has a high beamed ceiling and a matching beamed mantel over the fireplace. This room leads one step down to an equally open great room with a slate floor, fireplace and a large screen TV just above the hearth. The floor-to-ceiling glass wall overlooking the lake is actually a NanaWallTM window system that folds back completely, effectively removing the wall, allowing lake breezes inside in good weather. Just
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outside the great room, a stone terrace runs the length of the house and leads to an outdoor kitchen and eating area.
The indoor kitchen has an enormous breakfast bar/island, custom cabinetry and professional grade stainless appliances including a six-burner Wolf oven. A tile wall behind the stove and a copper farm sink lend an air of rustic charm.
Between the great room and living room is the doorway to the private owner’s suite, that includes an airy bedroom with beamed ceilings and a large overhead fan, plus views of Lake Erie looking north and west. The suite has a wood-floored bath that has a soaking tub, Jack and Jill sinks/vanities, large glassed-in shower, private loo (behind a closed door), and a spectacular 18 x 12 walk-in closet with built-ins. Two more bedrooms are on the main floor as well, but they are on the other side of the kitchen. Both have full baths en suite and both open to the stone patio through double doors. This end of the house, behind the kitchen, also offers access to the garage and has a half-bath adjacent to the large laundry room.
There is no upper level, however, down a flight of stairs off the kitchen is a completely finished lower level, also with beamed ceiling and a fireplace. There’s enough room for a game area, sitting area, and media room, plus a kitchenette and a full guest suite with its own full bath.
Furthermost north, just beyond a manicured lawn is a fire pit seated on a circular stone patio located at the top of the bluff overlooking the lake. Despite a visit on a blustery day, there wasn’t one squeak or creak throughout the house. The building is solid, comfortable, welcoming, and effortlessly stunning with its clean lines and sweeping views. Entertaining here would be beyond easy, as would hosting family meals.
The main house at 7345 Salida has four bedrooms, including a first-floor owner’s suite, four and a half baths over two floors on one acre. Built in 2022. Outdoor kitchen and patio. The attached heated garage has three bays with motor court parking adjacent. Public water and sewer. Mentor Schools. Convenient to highways and parks. Represented by Adam Kaufman of Howard Hanna Real Estate Services. At press time the property is listed at $3,500,000 with annual taxes of $24,060. Adam Kaufman 216-831-7370
adamkaufman@howardhanna.com
Maltz Museum panelists share their advice on life and aging
By CYNTHIA SCHUSTER EAKIN
When you are given the opportunity to listen to a combined 278 years of wisdom on longevity and productive living, you do the right thing. You listen.
Two remarkable people shared their secret for living long, exemplary lives in a talk entitled, “Longevity and Purpose: Keys to Living to 100 and Beyond.” The talk played to a packed house of listeners at the Maltz Museum. The panel discussion brought together 103-year-old Dr. Howard Tucker, the world’s oldest practicing physician, and Albert Ratner, 97, renowned philanthropist and community leader.
Moderated by Dr. Michael Roizen, age 78, Chief Wellness Officer Emeritus at the Cleveland Clinic and a leading expert on aging and longevity, the candid conversation explored the lifestyle choices and community connections that can help sustain people as they age. Dr. Roizen’s research suggests that emerging medical advances could add decades to the human lifespan, making the wisdom of the panelists even more relevant for future generations. Creator of the RealAge concept and author of multiple bestselling books, including “The Great Age Reboot,” Dr. Roizen has dedicated his career to helping people understand how lifestyle choices can dramatically affect biological age versus chronological age.
Dr. Tucker credits his longevity to more than just genetics. He points to regular exercise, intellectual curiosity, humor and a refusal to hate. His philosophy is simple and profound. Don’t smoke. Don’t hate. Don’t retire unless you absolutely have to. In addition to being a physician, Dr. Tucker got a law degree at age 67. He is a living legend in the medical community. He holds the Guinness World Record as the world’s oldest practicing physician, with a career spanning more than seven decades, practicing both neurology and psychiatry. He continues to see patients and teach at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine.
While Tucker attributes one-third of his
longevity to genetics, he said the rest comes down to the choices we make. His most powerful choice has been to carry no hate for any ethnic group, religious affiliation or race. “Hatred is devastating to the person who hates,” he explained, noting that it elevates pulse, heart rate and blood pressure. “It does more harm to the person holding it than to anyone else,” Tucker added.
“You have to keep going, stay happy and stay interesting,” Tucker said. “Each generation does not fully understand the generation that comes after it. Making attempts to keep up with the younger generation keeps me going.”
“The main things that have added to our longevity are sanitation, diet, medical antibodies and vaccines. But, an integral part of life and health is laughter,” he said.
Albert Ratner is a visionary philanthropist, community builder and business leader whose impact on Northeast Ohio spans generations.
As co-chairman emeritus of Forest City Realty Trust, he helped transform urban landscapes across America. Beyond his business achievements, Ratner has been a tireless advocate for education, healthcare and Jewish communal life, serving on numerous boards and receiving recognition, including induction into the Cleveland International Hall of Fame. His philosophy centers on building community, giving back and staying actively involved in making the world better.
Albert Ratner said that his approach to longevity centers on the “Three P’s”: purpose, playfulness and posse. He emphasized that having a reason to get up each morning is essential to thriving in later years. Helping others makes your own challenges feel lighter, according to Ratner. “Because I am having troubles, it doesn’t mean that I can’t help somebody else,” he noted. “You need purpose. You need passion. You need to love what you do. You need playfulness. You need to have a sense of humor. The secret to staying young is to keep celebrating birthdays.”
“All of us have decisions to make. Much more of what happens to you has to be your
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own knowledge. You are your own doctor. It’s in your hands. Your doctor only understands what you are telling him,” Ratner said.
Both panelists discussed the importance of community connections, staying actively engaged in meaningful work and maintaining an optimistic outlook.
Dr. Roizen explained that there are many things that you can do to change the rate of aging. He said that some of the most important are your food choices and portion size, exercises for the brain such as speed-of- processing games,
physical activity, avoiding smoking or vaping, diabetes control, blood pressure control and weight control. “Resistance training for the diaphragm is also important. You don’t have adequate lung function as you get older,” he said. Roizen said that scientists have studied countries with lower rates of illness and have found that people there had more family connection, exercised more and ate healthier.
“You need to manage your stress,” Ratner added. “I suggest that you go out today and make two friends and take them to lunch.”
Photograph by Eric Eakin
Albert Ratner (left) and Dr. Howard Tucker, via zoom, shared their secrets for living long, productive lives in a panel discussion moderated by Dr. Michael Roizen.
Senior volunteers continue to give back to their communities
By CYNTHIA SCHUSTER EAKIN
Every community depends on the generosity of its residents to make it a better place to live.
Residents of senior living facilities continue to do their part to enhance the lives of others through volunteerism and charitable giving.
Noreen Fitch, a resident of the Hamlet at Chagrin Falls senior community, has been volunteering at WomenSafe for the past 10 years. Initially, a friend became involved with the organization and Fitch followed her lead. “It’s a great group. We have a good time,” she said.
Fitch works the cash register at WomenSafe the Resale Shoppe in Chesterland. “I used to work at a bank before I retired, so it’s natural for me,” she explained. “We sell everything at the shop, from clothes and shoes to purses, furniture and even Christmas decorations. We take donations and we need everything.” All money raised through the store goes back to the non-profit organization.
WomenSafe provides emergency shelter and support services to survivors of domestic violence throughout Northeast Ohio. Current needs are listed at www.womensafe.org , or you can phone the donations coordinator at 440-286-7154, ext. 230. The shop, at 12601 Chillicothe Rd., can be reached at 440-729-2780.
Fitch said she also helps out at Hamlet, but the main focus of her volunteerism is at WomenSafe. She encourages others to become involved. “Just come in and talk to us and we will help you get started,” she said.
Anna Maria of Aurora holds fundraising events to benefit the Alzheimer Foundation throughout the year, according to Stacey Belknap, director of marketing and media. Anna Maria was founded in 1964 as a small familyrun nursing home. Over sixty years later, the Campus of Anna Maria covers more than 70 acres in Aurora. It has been voted as one of the best nursing facilities in Ohio.
“We have been involved with the Alzheimer Foundation for about 10 years,” Belknap said. “Last year, we delivered 27,000 volunteer hours to them. We are always doing something.”
“Our biggest fundraiser is our car show in August,” she noted. Last year’s Anna Maria car show was the sixteenth at the Aurora campus. It included car awards, raffles and auctions, door prizes, live music and local food vendors.
“Some of our fundraisers are just small events involving residents and staff. We had a nacho and taco bar for lunch and raised $1,400 in two weeks. We also get a lot of holiday donations,” Belknap said.
The Anna Maria community includes many dedicated individuals who offer valuable, life-affirming interaction between campus residents and the community at large. Volunteers include adults, seniors and students, as well as groups from area churches, home bureaus and other organizations. Anna Maria of Aurora even offers opportunity for young people ages 16 and older to make
a difference in the lives of older adults through service and learning volunteer programs. High school students can gain valuable community service experience through participation in supervised activities such as visiting residents, coordinating game time, being a computer buddy, taking care of resident’s pets and assisting at special events like the Easter Egg hunt, chili cook-off with the Aurora firemen and the annual car show. Visit www.annamariaofaurora.com to learn how you can get involved and contribute your talents to improving the lives of others.
The
staff at
CURRENTS
wishes our readers, advertisers and fans a joyous holiday season and a happy new year.
Cheers to 2026!
LAUREL LAKE IS A GREAT PLACE TO WORK
Laurel Lake Retirement Community is proud to be officially certified as a Great Place To Work! A special thanks to all of Laurel Lake’s staff for their hard work and dedication. Everyone contributes to the success of our community.
Great Place To Work, an independent research and consulting firm, evaluated more than 60 elements of team members’ experience on the job. These included employee pride in the organization’s community impact, belief that their work makes a difference, and feeling their work has special meaning. Rankings are based on employees’ experiences, no matter who they are or what they do.
Laurel Lake attributes its success to the community’s Core Values of Compassion, Respect, Excellence and Service. These values are demonstrated between staff as well as residents leading to a strong and supportive community.
When asked about the certification, CEO
Tony Berardi said, “We here at Laurel Lake strive to create a strong work culture where employees look forward to coming to work, feel valued, and have a strong sense of pride in what they do.” Input from employees helps leaders create the conditions for an overwhelmingly positive employee experience. Certification also builds pride among employees and helps attract new talent and residents.
Established in 1989, Laurel Lake Retirement Community is a not-for-profit continuing care retirement community (CCRC) offering multiple home styles within 150 scenic acres in historic Hudson, Ohio. Located just one mile from Route 8 and the I-80 Ohio Turnpike and four miles from the Cuyahoga Valley National
Park, Laurel Lake offers easy access to the world-class cultural and medical centers of Cleveland and Akron.
Laurel Lake offers a full range of lifestyle options include independent living in 225 apartments and 66 villas; 59 assisted living apartments in Greenwood; and licensed skilled nursing and rehabilitation in the 75-bed Crown Center.
Campus amenities include three on-site restaurants, a fitness & aquatic center, art studio, library, salon, gift shop/convenience store, woodworking & hobby shop, chapel, a medical clinic and therapy center. Outdoor recreational spaces include sheltered courtyards and gardens, three stocked fishing lakes, nature trails, a three-hole practice golf course, woodlands and protected wetlands.
Venture through our secluded door to find A Winter Tale Speakeasythe hidden, limited-engagement holiday bar at InterContinental Cleveland. Immerse yourself in winters of yore with cozy classic decor, shareable plates, and hand-crafted cocktails with a nod to vintage Christmas.
Allow A Winter Tale Speakeasy to transform your next InterContinental Cleveland visit into a truly unique, nostalgic holiday experience.
Open through December 20th on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 4 to 10pm. Stop by the Hotel Front Desk to discretely receive the password for entrance.
Gilmour Academy Accepted to Participate
Gilmour Academy is participating in this year’s Playhouse Square Dazzle Awards program, presented by Pat and John Chapman. For 10 years, the Dazzle Awards program has recognized the importance of musical theater and arts education in Northeast Ohio high schools, and since its inception, the program has served 18,000 students and 57 schools throughout the region. It is affiliated with the National High School Musical Theatre Awards (“The Jimmy Awards”) presented by The Broadway League Foundation.
Asked about the significance of being accepted to participate in the program, Gilmour’s Fine and Performing Arts Program Coordinator Lucas Clark shared, “Not only does our participation in the Dazzle Awards allow us to showcase our students’ talents to a wider local audience, but it also opens the door to boundless educational opportunities offered through Playhouse Square.”
Gilmour Academy’s Performing Arts program provides opportunities for students across all divisions. Toddlers begin with Music & Movement and Lower School students in Grades K-6 perform in Christmas and spring concerts, learn various instruments, receive formal vocal instruction, can participate in chorus, and are invited to perform in the Upper School drama performances. Sixth graders also participate in the Middle School band. Middle School students take band or chorus and all Middle Schoolers participate — on stage or behind-the-scenes — in the Middle School musical, presented each spring. At the Upper School, students choose from a variety of electives including Pops Ensemble, music theatre workshop, play directing and production, set design and scene painting, among others. Additionally, the Drama Club presents a production each fall and each spring. This fall, they will perform “Hairspray” on November 21 and 22 at 7 p.m. and November 23 at 2 p.m. in The Lorraine and Bill Dodero Center for Performing Arts, a state-of-the-art facility on Gilmour’s campus.
The Playhouse Square Dazzle Awards program offers arts education opportunities throughout the school year and culminates with the Dazzle Awards ceremony on May 16, 2026. Awards are presented to outstanding musical theater productions and students in 15 categories, including Best Musical, Best Actor/Actress, Best Student Orchestra and Best Student Technical Execution. Nominations and awards are based on the evaluations of an independent panel of adjudicators.
The winners of the Best Actor and Actress categories represent Northeast Ohio at The Jimmy Awards during the summer.
More information about the Playhouse Square Dazzle Awards is available at playhousesquare. org/dazzleawards
Gilmour Academy is an independent, Catholic, coeducational, college-preparatory school in the Holy Cross tradition. Gilmour educates students in grades K-12 in its Lower, Middle and Upper School, and has a boarding program available for students in Grades 9 through 12. The school also offers a Montessori program for students ages 18 months to preschool. Gilmour Academy is located at 34001 Cedar Road in Gates Mills, Ohio. For more information, visit www.gilmour.org and follow
Gilmour on Facebook X and Instagram Playhouse Square, the nation’s premier home for touring Broadway, is a globally recognized arts district. A not-for-profit presenter and producer of performing arts experiences, Playhouse Square is a champion of arts education and the vitality of downtown Cleveland. It proudly serves as home to eight resident companies: The City Club of Cleveland, Cleveland Ballet, Cleveland International Film Festival, Cleveland Playhouse, Cleveland State University Department of Theatre and Dance, DANCE Cleveland, Great Lakes Theater and Tri-C JazzFest
University School opened a renovated and expanded middle school this year. The vibrant and modern spaces are designed for how boys learn best. Visit www.us.edu to learn more.
Laurel School—
Start small. Dream big.
Laurel is an independent day school for girls, Kindergarten- Grade 12, with a co-ed Early Childhood School. Laurel has two campuses—its 11-acre Lyman Campus is in Shaker Heights, Ohio and its 150-acre Butler Campus is in Novelty, Ohio. Laurel students come from 68 Northeast Ohio communities.
In the Early Childhood School, the faculty delight in watching young children develop the emotional, social and cognitive skills that will serve them well throughout their lives. In a warm, caring, colorful and child-centered environment, Laurel’s Early Childhood programming educates girls and boys, ages eighteen months to five years. Children are full of energy, curiosity and potential during this magical time—it is the goal of Laurel’s Early Childhood to foster all three to the fullest. The cognitively rich and play-based curriculum fosters creativity and imagination while laying a foundation for academic success. School days are focused on developing skills, nurturing talents, building confidence and cultivating each child in small classes, making it possible to give every student the attention she or he needs while preparing them for Kindergarten.
An option for its youngest learners is Laurel’s Outdoor Pre-Kindergarten. In the forest, and away from highly-structured indoor curriculum, children make their own choices about how to spend their time and how to manage their own body signals. They become empowered, engaged and highly motivated learners. The Outdoor Pre-Kindergarten program provides a curriculum that ensures children are developing the skills that are necessary for them to be successful in Kindergarten while also gaining the resilience, motivation and creativity that comes from learning in the forest.
Come to the Early Childhood School Open House for families with children 18 monthsPreK on Saturday, January 10 from 9 to 11a.m. at Laurel’s Lyman Campus located at 1 Lyman Circle, Shaker Heights, Ohio. Go to www. LaurelSchool.org/Visit for more information and to register.
The Diversity Center “Humanitarian Award Celebration”
More than 600 guests attended The Diversity Center’s Humanitarian Award Celebration at Hotel Cleveland.
Since 1949, the Humanitarian Award has recognized individuals who exemplify leadership in civic, charitable and professional organizations. This year’s event celebrated Kirsten Ellenbogen, president and CEO of the Great Lakes Science Center, and Vanessa Whiting, president of A.E.S. Management Corp.
The Diversity Center of Northeast Ohio is dedicated to building spaces where all communities feel connected, respected and valued. That vision has guided the organization since its founding in 1927 as the National Conference of Christians and Jews, which was established in response to growing social division. Over the decades, The Diversity Center has evolved into a communityfocused organization that brings people together through dialogue, education and
collaboration. In Sept., 2006, The Diversity Center of Northeast Ohio joined the National Federation for Just Communities. Since then, its mission has been to eliminate bias, bigotry and racism. The $500,000 raised at the Humanitarian Award Celebration will support the organization’s school, student and professional programming. STORY BY
CYNTHIA SCHUSTER EAKIN/ PHOTOGRAPHS BY ERIC EAKIN
You’ve noticed the changes—mom forgetting her medications, dad struggling to keep the house in order, or a loved one feeling isolated and overwhelmed. You want the best for them, but life’s demands make it hard to give the care and attention they deserve. The worry keeps you up at night: Are they safe? Are they eating well? Are they lonely?
At Senior Solutions, we bring families peace of mind by providing personalized, compassionate care around the clock. Whether your loved one needs help with daily tasks, companionship to lift their spirits, or full 24/7 support, we’re here to make their life—and yours—easier.
Let us handle the care, so you can focus on making memories.
Call Jamie Berns at 216-925-3042 or email jberns@seniorsolutions.site Visit seniorsolutions.site to learn how we can help. Because every family deserves the peace of mind that comes with knowing their loved one is in caring hands.
Charles and Kirsten Ellenbogen
Cierra Hilson, Mark Swaim-Fox and Tracie Longpre
Barbara and Alan Rosskamm
John and Karen Moss, Vanessa Whiting and Calvin Singleton
De’ Vyonne Yarbrough, Sumaya Osman, Kartik Gulati and Otis Houtz
Evening Dress and Wings, spring 2024. Nicola Brognana (Italian, b. 1990) for Blumarine (Italy, est. 1977). Viscose, feathers, brass. Courtesy of Blumarine, next to “The Annunciation,” c. 1580. Paolo Veronese (Italian, 1528–1588) and Workshop. Oil on canvas. The Cleveland Museum of Art, Gift of the Hanna Fund, 1950.251
‘Renaissance to Runway’ Brings Italian Haute Couture to CMA
By ANDREA C. TURNER
Who says Cleveland is not on the haute couture fashion map? Visitors to the Cleveland Museum of Art (CMA) will immediately dispel that notion when visiting its new exhibit, “Renaissance to Runway: The Enduring Italian Houses,” which opened November 9. The museum presents its largest-ever fashion exhibition, on view through February 1, 2026, in the Kelvin and Eleanor Smith Foundation Exhibition Hall.
Through cultural preservation, the exhibition delineates how Italian fashion designers and houses in the past century have used Italian heritage as the basis of creative innovation for runways, emanating the particular flair that only Italian fashion can.
Curated by fashion historian Darnell-Jamal Lisby, CMA’s Associate Curator of Fashion, the exhibit features contemporary fashions and accessories paired with fine, decorative, and textile arts from the 1400s to the early 1600s. Lisby, a Fashion Institute of Technology graduate, included Renaissance, Mannerist, and early Baroque periods that connect with the museum’s European art collection to emphasize how these designs have influenced modern-day designers. The result is a stunning display of first-of-its-kind Italian fashion that illustrates how Italy’s artistic and cultural heritage is continuously preserved. Lisby collaborated with five sister museums globally, and gave a special nod to creative designers Rosita Missoni and Georgio Armani who both passed away earlier this year.
“Evening Ensemble,” couture, spring 2024. Giambattista Valli and Atelier. Silk jacquard, silk taffeta, tulle, sequins. Courtesy of Giambattista Valli Haute Couture.
“It is my hope that visitors recognize how fashion is a conduit for understanding respective cultures across time and can be a dynamic conduit for understanding other mediums, such as painting, sculpture, textiles, and decorative arts,” said Lisby.
Visitors can view 80 ensembles and garments and 40 jewelry pieces up close. It even includes several iconic shoe designs, like the leather and cork stacked “Rainbow” sandal created in 1938 by Salvatore Ferragamo for Judy Garland as a tribute to her song, “Over the Rainbow.”
Ensembles and stylistic examples range from 18 storied haute couture houses, such as Armani, Buccellati, Bvlgari, Capucci, Ferragamo, Gucci, Valentino, Versace, and more. Much of the inspiration comes from traditional Roman Catholic spiritual imagery, with nods to Byzantine gold crosses, the Virgin Mary and Christ child, velvet stoles, intricate embroidered tapestries, and Vatican opulence. Lisby refers to it as “devotional glamor.”
“It must be seen in person to truly appreciate it,” said Tae Smith, a costume and textile expert who consulted for the CMA as mannequin dresser. “We make the mannequin fit the garment, NOT the garment fit the mannequin.” Turn to Runway on Page 13
Home is where the holidays shine brightest.
Whether you’re celebrating in a new space or one filled with years of memories, we hope your home is full of comfort, joy, and connection this season.
Warm wishes from all of us!
Karen Eagle | 216-352-4700 | info@kareneagle.com kareneagle.com | 89 N Main St | Chagrin Falls
At left, Ensemble, Spring/Summer 2024 Collection. Maximilian Davis, Ferragamo (Italian, est. 1927). Loaned by Salvatore Ferragamo Museum Archives. At right, Gown, 2018. Atelier Versace (Donatella Versace).
New ‘Alien Staff’ Exhibition on view through Jan. 2 at KSU
Following his powerful spring 2025 talk, which explored the intersection of art, technology and social justice, internationally renowned artist Krzysztof Wodiczko has returned to Kent State University to lead an immersive workshop with architecture and art students. The resulting collaborative works, created by students under Wodiczko’s guidance, will be featured as part of the Thomas Schroth Visiting Artist Series and in partnership with Kent State’s College of Architecture and Environmental Design and College of the Arts. “Alien Staff” exhibition will be located in the Armstrong Gallery at the John Elliot Center for Architecture and Environmental Design on the university’s Kent Campus. The exhibition will run through Jan. 2, 2026. The “Alien Staff” exhibition highlights mediating devices, amplifying the voices of those grappling with cultural, social and political challenges. These experimental instruments – extensions of his long-standing practice – are designed as tools for individuals who experience alienation, displacement, distress or identity crises in the contemporary world. Wodiczko is recognized for his socially engaged and politically charged works that give voice to marginalized and silenced individuals. Best known for his large-scale public projections on buildings and monuments, Wodiczko brings his
Runway continued from Page 12
A signature piece of the collection is “Evening Dress and Wings,” by Nicola Brognano who looked to angels for inspiration – conveying tonal effervescence and delicate implications in the garment. The flowing structure of the dress implies emotional gentleness as it ideologically articulates the essence of angels as represented in the opulent imagery of Italian early modern art. But by contrast, a metal mesh gown created by Donatella Versace evokes female empowerment and strength. Vogue magazine wrote that Zendaya, who wore the ensemble to the 2018 Heavenly Bodies Met Gala, was “channeling Joan of Arc.”
A breathtaking AI multi-media digital projection titled, “Renaissance Remixed” greets visitors upon entry – imagining an ethereal world where models interact in a larger-than-life version of Cleveland, as well as Rome and Florence bringing rare archival garments to life. It was produced by internationally-celebrated creative director Francesco Carrozzini and globally-renowned artist Henry Hargreaves.
Accompanying the exhibition is a richly illustrated, 200-page catalogue, art directed by former 30-year Vogue Italia artistic director, Luca Stoppini, written by Lisby, with contributions by Dr. Matteo Augello, curator, lecturer, and author of Curating Italian Fashion; Alessandra Arezzi Boza, archivist, curator, and founder of Studio AAB; Massimiliano Capella, director of the house museum of the Paolo and Carolina Zani Foundation for Art and Culture; Luke Meagher (@HautLeMode), fashion critic and social media influencer; and Stefania Ricci, director of the Ferragmo Museum.
The CMA recommends reserving tickets online by visiting the exhibition web page: https://www.clevelandart.org/exhibitions/ renaissance-runway-enduring-italian-houses Advance ticket sales are recommended. Tickets may also be reserved by phone at 216-421-7350 or on-site at one of the ticket desks. Tickets for adults are $17; seniors $15; college students and children ages 6 to 17 are $8; children 5 and under and CMA members are free.
practice to a more personal scale in this project, collaborating with students to design mediating devices that amplify the perspectives of those navigating cultural, social and political challenges.
About the Thomas Schroth Visiting Artist Series
Since 2001, the Thomas Schroth Visiting Artist Series has presented guest artists respected in the fields of theatre, dance, visual arts, music and architecture, including such noted artists as Tony Award winner Stephen Schwartz, the composer of “Godspell,” “Wicked” and more; “Next to Normal” actress and Kent State alumna Alice Ripley; the Grammy-winning Emerson String Quartet; postmodern minimalist artist Richard Tuttle; artists and fashion designers Ruben and Isabel Toledo; the internationally acclaimed dance company Ballet Florida; actor, dancer and arts advocate Ben Vereen; and the renowned Limón Dance Company.
The Schroth series was established by Cecile Draime and her late husband, Max, of Warren, Ohio, to honor their dear friend Thomas Schroth (1922-1997). A noted regional architect, Schroth designed the Butler Institute of American Art’s Trumbull museum in Howland, Ohio, as well as numerous other award-winning projects.
Schroth spent his life in Niles, Ohio, as a prominent architect and inveterate collaborator
in the artistic life of the Mahoning Valley and Northeast Ohio. A world traveler, he saw human creativity as a window framing the human experience. The Thomas Schroth Visiting Artist Series brings intellectually diverse views through that window to the Kent State community.
The events are always free and open to the public.
For more information on the Thomas Schroth Visiting Artist Series at Kent State, including event details and ticket information, visit www.kent.edu/artscollege/ thomas-schroth-visiting-artist-series
Area Chefs share sweet, savory ideas for your holiday entertaining this season
By RITA KUEBER
Currents managed to catch up with two of northeast Ohio’s busiest and most popular chefs, Christopher Hodgson, owner of the Driftwood Restaurants and Catering, and Bridget Thibeault, owner of Luna Bakery Café, who offer some chef-driven ideas for your entertaining this holiday season.
“There are always unique combinations when looking for fall dishes,” Chris Hodgson says. “A dish I love making at home is a sweet and spicy version of roast sweet potatoes. Peel and cut into wedges. Toss them with olive oil and brown sugar and salt. Once roasted they release their natural sugars and the brown sugar caramelizes. I find myself plating them with dollops of yogurt, a spoonful of Momufuko (available on Amazon) chili crisp and a jam. I always have a unique variety; this year I used a crab apple.”
Chris owns and operates Bin 216, Cibréo, and Republic, all at Playhouse Square, and The Welshfield Inn in Burton, Ohio. Driftwood also runs Landerhaven and does catering and concessions all over the area. There’s even a Driftwood food truck! Additionally, he is the driving force behind Fieldstone Farm’s highly successful annual fundraiser, Chef’s Unbridled. Here, he and several other local chefs create masterful culinary small plates for the grazing/dining pleasure of hundreds of guests with all proceeds going to the therapeutic equestrian center.
Chef Hodgson never seems to run out of ideas. “With the access of so many amazing chef driven condiments in the grocery stores these days I always load up. Sure, I can make it, but when David Chang perfects chili
crispy – the Mexican style is my favorite – then why wouldn’t I stock up ingredients like that?” Hodgson says. He’s referring to the nationally known chef, restaurateur, and media personality who founded the popular Momofuku restaurants. (Jars of his Chili Crispy are available in stores and online.)
“Across the board I look for unique or different styles of sweet, spicy and creamy. I always have a plethora of condiments. The holidays are always the time I use the unique one-offs from the pantry. It’s filled with foods we don’t eat in our normal daily diet. Have a can of tinned fish? Combine it with a blacken seasoning (or chili and paprika and garlic powder) whisk in a little crème cheese and sour cream. Serve it chilled with crackers or chips. That way when you need to spice up the shrimp cocktail, you can whip up a Momofuku style cocktail sauce. Mix and match and bring sweet and spicy together,” he adds. “You can impress your guests in half the time!”
The phrase ‘like a kid in a candy store’ expressing complete happiness could easily be replaced with ‘like a discerning adult eyeing baked goods at Luna.’ This locally homegrown bakery and café has three locations in Cleveland, Cleveland Heights, and Moreland Hills. The company caters and creates dessert stations at events, and has wholesale accounts with the Browns and Cavs. Luna is a tireless supporter of the annual Summer Solstice fundraiser for the Nature Center at Shaker Lakes, and several other charitable events. Luna offers fresh baked goods, croissants, artisan pastries, cookies, and custom cakes as well as a full menu of fresh soups, salads,
paninis, grain bowls, crêpes, and egg dishes. Everything is made from scratch, and everything is simply delicious. The macarons, notoriously tricky to make, are made in seasonal flavors, and for the holiday season the flavors include Salted Caramel, Gingerbread, Spiced Plum and Hot Cocoa. Delicate sugar cookies are small works of art. “Many of our decorators have an art background and attended the Cleveland Institute of Art,” Bridget says. If you and the little people in your life would like to paint their own cookies, Luna offers some ‘take and decorate’ cookie kits.
“Christmas is not as heavy on the pies as Thanksgiving,” she says. “So, we have more items going out the door – cakes and cookies, but also, we have take and bake items like Cinnamon Rolls which are frozen, then you can pop them in the oven Christmas morning. We also have cookie dough available.”
Bridget indicates her dessert trays are extremely popular, and she recommends a variety of small bites to finish off your celebratory dinner. “Cut your desserts. Make them small and offer a lot of variety with different flavor profiles,” she says. “When I’m catering for business events or creating a dessert table at a wedding, I like to present on a variety of heights, and I mix the cake stands with vintage pieces; you can mix and match the things you already have. Then I like to add notes indicating ‘gluten free’ just so people know before they take a bite.”
Finally, Bridget, a talented pastry chef herself, shared this brownie recipe you can serve plain, or with either of the two suggested toppings, ganache or cream cheese. “For Christmas you can sprinkle chopped candy canes or festive holiday sprinkles on top as well,” she adds.
Luna Bakery & Cafe
Double Chocolate Brownie Serves 8
12 ounces (3 sticks, 1 ½ cups) unsalted butter
½ cup cocoa powder
10 ounces (1 ½ cups) bittersweet chocolate
chunks or chips
2 cups sugar
6 eggs
2 tsp pure vanilla extract
½ tsp salt
1 ½ cups all purpose flour
½ cup semisweet chocolate chips
Spray 9x13 pan with baking spray. Heat oven to 350’F (325’F convection).
Melt butter, cocoa powder and chocolate in heavy bottom saucepan over low heat, stirring often.
Whisk together sugar, eggs, vanilla and salt in large bowl.
Slowly add chocolate mixture to sugar mixture, whisking continuously.
Sift flour into chocolate mixture. Stir to combine. Stir in chocolate chips.
Bake 25-30 minutes or until toothpick tests clean. Cool and enjoy!
Optional Toppings or Mix Ins:
Nuts: Stir in ½ cup chopped nuts with chocolate chips
Dark Chocolate Ganache Frosting:
8 ounces dark chocolate chunks or chips
Pinch of salt
1 cup heavy cream
Place chocolate and salt in stainless or heat proof bowl.
Heat cream until it simmers.
Pour over chocolate. Cover with saran wrap and let steep for 5 minutes. Whisk until smooth.
Cool and pour over brownies.
Refrigerate any remaining ganache
Cream Cheese Frosting:
4 ounces (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
2 3/4 cups (12 ounces) powdered sugar
8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
½ tsp pure vanilla extract
Pinch salt
With hand mixer or stand mixer, mix the butter and powdered sugar until smooth, scraping sides of bowl periodically. Add cream cheese and beat on low until smooth.
Add vanilla and salt.
Beat on 2nd speed until fluffy.
Photographs courtesy of Luna Bakery & Cafe
Get in the spirit of the season at these pop-up holiday bars
By CYNTHIA SCHUSTER EAKIN
There is more than one way to get in a holiday mood. These pop-up Christmas bars, with their festive décor and treatladen menus, are sure to put you in the spirit of the season.
Around the Corner, 18616 Detroit Ave., Lakewood. Hang out at Lakewood’s, and possibly Cleveland’s, original pop-up Christmas bar. Enjoy Christmas music, cocktails and Christmas everything. Plus, there is Christmas karaoke daily. Hours are Monday through Friday, 3 p.m. to close, 11 a.m. to close on Saturdays, and noon to close on Sundays. House of Blues, 308 Euclid Ave., Cleveland. The Foundation Room Holiday Bar, a festive pop-up bar, is open Thursdays through Saturdays until Dec. 27. The bar offers seasonal cocktails and a festive ambience. Great Lakes Brewing Company, 2516 Market Ave., Cleveland. The Secret Cellar Bar features glittering holiday décor, Great Lakes Christmas Ale, and a special menu of cocktails and bites. Get discounted tickets for Cleveland Ballet’s “The Nutcracker” when you visit the Secret Cellar Bar. Go to www. greatlakesbrewing.com for holiday hours. Intercontinental Cleveland, 9801 Carnegie Ave., Cleveland. A new holiday speakeasy has been added to the list of Cleveland’s Christmas bars. A Winter’s Tale is a true speakeasy, with a hidden door off of the lobby. To get inside, patrons have to ask the reception desk for a secret password.
Jack Cleveland Casino, 100 Public Square, Cleveland. Sleigh features a special menu of upscale holiday drinks. The pop-up bar is open Thursdays through Saturdays, on Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve.
Jolene’s, 2038 E. 4th St., Cleveland. The Honky Tonk Holiday Bar transfor ms the rooftop bar into a glitter-drenched Christmas dreamscape. The bar is open through Jan. 4.
Nano Brew, 1859 W. 25th St., Cleveland.
The Holidayland Christmas Bar is the perfect spot to enjoy holiday trivia and DJ Saturdays while sipping a Festivus Holiday Spiced Ale from Market Garden Brewery just down the street.
Old School Pizza and Wings, 445 Avon Belden Rd., Avon Lake. Griswold’s has a “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” theme complete with a replica of Clark Griswold’s lit-up house from the movie on top of the restaurant’s event center.
Seeing Double, 26880 Brookpark Ext., North Olmsted. Seeing Double’s Christmas Bar is in its fifth year, featuring merry décor and live holiday music.
Society Lounge, 2063 E. 4th St., Cleveland. Saint Nick’s Social Club is a
Gatsby-style speakeasy straight out of the Prohibition era. The underground entrance makes you feel like you have discovered a holiday secret.
Southern Tier Brewing, 811 Prospect Ave. East, Cleveland. The basement taproom is decorated with thousands of ornaments and a Grinch Christmas tree. There are plenty of Christmas beers on tap.
Terminal Tower, Public Square, Cleveland. Destination Cleveland tourism bureau has transformed the Terminal Tower Observation Deck on the 42nd floor into a winter wonderland with an unmatched view of the holiday themed Illuminate CLE show on Public Square. A pop-up bar offers seasonal cocktails and
hot chocolate. The event runs Dec. 4-6, Dec. 11-13 and Dec. 18-19 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tickets are $10 and must be purchased in advance. Tickets are limited to 20 visitors per 45-minute increment, starting at 6 p.m. Admission includes a keepsake ornament. Go to www.thisiscleveland.com for tickets. Time Warp Bar, 26261 Center Ridge Rd., Westlake. This casual neighborhood bar, known for live music all year long, features festive karaoke, seasonal cocktails and food from a neighboring pizza restaurant. Tommy’s Place, 1325 Linda St., Rocky River. This Grinch-themed pop-up offers floor-to-ceiling décor, specialty drinks and menu items from Wine Bar next door. Look for appearances by from the Grinch himself.
Photos by Eric Eakin
Neighborhood bars spruce up for the holiday season with glowing décor.
Friends gather at pop-up Christmas bars to celebrate the season.
